Glenn Moore's top 10 footballers never to be voted footballer of the year justification

Patrick Vieira never won the player of the year award (Getty Images)

The Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award is the game’s oldest individual prize and was originally awarded, in 1948, 'to the player who by precept and example, on the field and off, shall be considered to have done the most for football'.

That explains some of the surprising early choices, such as Harry Johnston rather than Blackpool team-mate Stan Mortensen, Luton’s Syd Owen and, later Manchester City full-back Tony Book. On this basis Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Luis Suarez, last year’s winner, were odd choices, but by the 90s the award was simply recognition of the best player that season, regardless of previous behaviour.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player’s Player of the Year award began in 1974 and was always about the best player. It was notable for initially, briefly, recognizing players who prevented, rather than scored or created goals, but like the FWA award now rarely honours defenders.

The PFA award’s flaw was that it was supposed to identify the player of the year, and so was voted for around Christmas, but in reality judged players on the first half of the season. The FWA award, being voted for in springtime, was more indicative of a full season’s performance, but was still chosen before the league and FA Cup winners were usually determined. Thus some odd omissions.

In recent years the voting, and presentations, have been pushed back, but are still, for logistical reasons, still usually determined before the season’s denouement.

Though it has never been officially stated, both awards tend to mark domestic performances ruling out players based overseas such as John Charles and Paul Gascoigne for much of their careers.

Other leading players besides this ten, who missed out, include Jackie Milburn, Duncan Edwards, Geoff Hurst, Alan Ball, Johnny Giles, Alan Hansen, Peter Beardsley, Glenn Hoddle, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Tony Adams, Peter Schmeichel, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero.

Since 1989 the FWA have also had a tribute night. This has often honoured players who missed out on the Footballer of the Year, such as Denis Law, Paul Scholes and Bryan Robson.

Footballer of the year – most questionable choices

David Ginola (1999)

Manchester United won the treble but, to Alex Ferguson’s undisguised disgust, Ginola won both the players’ and writers’ awards. The reason as the United vote was split with Keane, Schmeichel, Scholes and Cantona among those attracting votes.

Scott Parker (2011)

The only time the writers’ choice ended the season being relegated, but when votes were cast it looked as if Parker’s performances might keep West Ham up. An exemplary pro he had also earned an England recall, and made the players’ shortlist.

Mark Hughes (1989)

In January Manchester United were sixth with Hughes, back from a disappointing spell overseas, scoring 13 goals in 21 matches. The players made him player of the year. In May, with Hughes scoring just once more, United came 11. Arsenal won the title, Alan Smith finishing top league scorer with 22 goals, and Liverpool the FA Cup. The perils of an early vote were clear.