Scholes, Neville share top award

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has paid tribute to Paul Scholes after they were honoured by the Football Writers’ Association.

The duo, who are the first double recipients of the tribute award, was also praised by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Neville said it had been a pleasure to have played in the same team as the midfielder.

“A great player, the best I have ever played with, and I think to be fair most of the players who have played with him or against him say the same thing,” Neville said.

“I’ve played with him since the age of 12 so I’ve seen him develop from being a young kid, obviously he is the same age as me.”

“Just incredible awareness on the pitch, and intelligence.”

“You don’t see many players with the intelligence and awareness that he has. As a person, whilst he is obviously very private and keeps himself to himself, once you get to know him, the people who do know him, know that he can be very cutting with his remarks.”

“He has got a great sense of humour and is someone that you can trust and is loyal.”

Ferguson praised the pair for their impact on the English and world game.

“Gary is a very forthright guy, he speaks the truth, and he is prepared to say what he feels, and he has always been that way,” Ferguson said.

“You see him on television now, he is fantastic because he is forthright, there is no side issues with him, no grey areas, it’s black and white to Gary.”

“That is the way he has always been. Whereas Paul is very measured in what he says, but when he says something it is always worth listening to.”

“I am proud of the career they have had, proud of what they have achieved with Manchester United. But also I think that every fair-minded fan would realise that they have been great ambassadors for the game itself.”

Previous winners of the award, which goes to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to football, include Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Kenny Dalglish.