Jon Walters, who still has three-and-a-half years left on his contract, has been rewarded with the Sir Stanley Matthews trophy after being named the Stoke City Potteries Footballer of the Year. This year has been a remarkable one for the 28-year-old striker who has become a regular in the Republic of Ireland squad.
It was his goals last term that fired the Potters into Europe for the first time since the 1974/75 season.
And Walters said:
"We have carried on improving year-on-year and now we want to finish in the top 10 for the first time.
"On a personal level, you want to keep going at a club that is improving and keep improving yourself.
"Players with great Premier League and international experience like Peter Crouch were signed last year, and I want to be a part of that for many years to come if I can.
"This season has been an experience for everyone, and there is still a lot to play for. Hopefully, it will set me and Glenn Whelan up for the Euros." "I am absolutely chuffed to bits to win this award. It is not just a football club award, but a city award, and with Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth already winning it, I'm happy to be in their company.
