Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is surprised at being named North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year for 2014.
The Black Cats were close to selling him to Stoke City after signing Liam Bridcutt in January, but decided against late on deadline day.
"I couldn't quite believe it when I heard, but I feel really honoured to have won an award as prestigious as this one," said the holding midfielder.
"My family are really looking forward to watching me collect the award."
