Terry wins player of year award

Terry was informed he had won the ballot by the PFA last week and will attend Sunday's dinner at the Grosvenor House hotel, but celebrations will be limited by Chelsea's European Cup semi-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Terry's success is richly deserved after a magnificent season in which he has come to epitomise Chelsea's relentless pursuit of honours under Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese's first act as Chelsea coach was to appoint Terry as club captain, again following a vote of the players, and he has led by example throughout.

The 24-year-old has played in 48 games and even chipped in with eight goals, including the late winner in Chelsea's epic Champions League win over Barcelona.

Terry's performances for Chelsea have also seen him establish himself as regular in the England side, and such is his increased stature that Sol Campbell is not guaranteed to regain his place when he returns from injury.

Terry's triumph means Lampard will again be disappointed after finishing as runner-up to Thierry Henry last season, but he maintains his club captain is a worthy winner.

Lampard said: "If anyone deserves to win the award it's John. There's no rivalry and we're both supporting each other. It's very important and shows how far the club's come."

Terry has turned his life around after a difficult start to his career. Three years ago he appeared in court after being accused of a nightclub assault. Terry was cleared of the charges but has learned from the experience, giving up his late-night lifestyle and dedicating himself to football.