It seems our readers on RamZone were on the same page as everyone else when it came to naming Richard Keogh DCFC’s ‘Player of the Year’.

In the poll voted on by our readers - Richard received over 43% of the total vote — so by all means it was a resounding victory doubling his closest rival in Scott Carson who finished with 20% of the vote.

At the start of the season Richard Keogh looked like he may be on the way out the door with players signed who could fill his position and a feeling that perhaps his football had slowly declined since the play-off final of 2014.

With the capitulation of last season, came a flood of goals that the Rams let in. Keogh became something of a scapegoat for many fans, as although he was definitely not in his best form, the midfield was regularly collapsing in front of him. All of these factors must have been dis-heartening and pointed to a change of scenery being one possible answer to the problem.

The other answer to the problem was to bounce back - and bounce back Richard did! Keogh put in a great pre-season and continually impressed Paul Clement, which must partially be put down to his new partnership with Jason Shackell who gave him a reliable foil and an anchor to rely on, allowing Keogh to take more runs forward as he regularly turned defence into attack.

The fact that he lost the Captaincy at the start of the season only to have it handed back when stability was needed, only adds to the evidence that he is held in high esteem by those behind the scenes.

Keogh deserves the plaudits and although many fans still seem unconvinced, I fail to see why. He makes a mistake here and there but I doubt you will find a defender anywhere at any level who doesn’t. His desperation, passion and all-out attack on the football can’t be questioned and if anything it is that single mindedness which brings him undone from time to time — something I would rather have than not.

Richard was also named 'Players Player', an award always valued highly by any footballer, as it means those in the dressing room value and respect your contribution above all others.

Both awards only go to prove that this season Keogh is King, not only with fans but also to those who battle alongside him on the pitch.

A well deserving winner and proud father, with a new baby arriving just before the honour was bestowed on him.

Scott Carson has also had a great first season with the Rams as a reliable pair of hands who has really cut out the defensive howlers we saw in the last two seasons (sorry Lee) and provided a reliability sorely needed between the sticks. In fairness he has not had the all out barrage coming at him that Lee Grant had at times late last season but he always looks in control with good distribution by hand and foot.

As a former England international he arrived with great pedigree and if anything else has restored his reputation as a quality keeper, which was unfortunately tarnished by one brain snap, who perhaps deserves to be playing in the top flight again sometime soon… and hopefully he won’t need to change clubs to achieve that.

Carson also snapped up the ‘Save Of The Year Award’ not too much competition when you have played most games but Grant & Mitchell did provide stiff competition in the final 3.

In our poll 3rd place was taken by Cyrus Christie who received 11% of the votes cast and like Keogh was a player reborn as he reproduced the stellar form seen during his debut season. Christie may not have taken out the top gong but was also awarded the ‘Young Player Of The Year’.

His ability to solidly defend while acting as nearly a second winger would be invaluable at any club, the fact his crossing into the box has improved significantly, is also a major plus. He had a mid-season dip but then which Ram didn’t but despite that it seems he along with his team mates, he has resurrected his season to finish strongly.

Other players who deserve a note were Johnny Russell on 9% which obviously came on the back of his late season form which has been spectacular and Chris Martin on 4.4% which would be based on his early season goals that secured him the ‘Highest Goalscorer’ award for the third consecutive season.

Butterfield and Shackell also received 3% each, with the former being something of a surprise to me as there is no doubt he has been solid and a rock alongside Keogh and it is hard to imagine that without him Keogh would have had the season he has. One player who would have polled better if he had been fit for most of the season is Craig Bryson. He has already racked up multiple man of the match awards since returning and it is no stretch to think he would have given Keogh a run for his money.

Hopefully we have that problem next season and multiple players are jostling for the honour rather than one standing out head and shoulders, as it will indicate we have had a very good season.

Before I wrap up a special mention to Johnny Russell who also was awarded the PFA 'Player in the Community' award as recognition for his work off the pitch and was presented the award before the match on Saturday by Sam Rush.

Most local fans will know that Russell is a regular face for the Rams for various community events plus he has also received recognition for donating thousands of pounds to Scottish disability inclusive football team; the Claremont Colts. Russell’s brother plays for the team and the money was used to purchase new kits for the club.

With players more often than not set upon by the media for off field indiscretions, it is a reminder that most footballers donate a lot of time and money to various causes and do a lot of good in their communities.

Well done Johnny! We are all very proud of the work you do on and off the pitch.

Other awards on the night went to Bradley Johnson for ‘Goal Of The Year’, which was more of a team goal than an individual effort despite a crisp finish by the midfielder. Both Russell & Thorne can Count themselves unlucky after producing two spectacular goals that also made the final 3.

The ‘Presidents Award’ was deservedly given to the whole of the Rams U21’s team who won the League and were promoted to the top flight.

Midfielder Callum Guy was also named ‘Under-21 Player Of The Year’, while Max Bird was ‘Academy Player Of The Year’ and Timi Max Elsnik ‘Scholar Of The Year’.

Congratulations to all of the winners especially Richard Keogh who also became a dad in the days before accepting this award which I am sure was an even bigger thrill.

Here’s hoping there is still one more award that the Rams can look forward to receiving when May rolls around — and they have to visit Wembley to collect it!

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls