Congratulations to Crystal Palace's Nathianiel Clyne - Named The FourFourTwo 'Young Player of the Year'

On the 14th March, Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne was named FourFourTwo 'Young Player of the Year ' at the 2010 Football League Awards gala dinner, held at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London.

The 18-year-old defender is ranked 17th in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players list, making him the highest ranked representative aged 21 or under, and as a result, the ' Young Player of the Year ' for the Coca-Cola Football League, beating Nottingham Forest's Paul Anderson and Southampton's Adam Lallana to the title.

Past winners of the award include Fabian Delph, Michael Kightly and Gareth Bale.

Nathaniel, a product of the highly acclaimed Crystal Palace youth academy follows in the footsteps of team-mate Sean Scannell, who won the ' The Championship's Apprentice of the Year ' at the same event in 2009.

The Stockwell born full-back made his first-team debut for Crystal Palace on the 18th October 2008 against Barnsley aged 17, and was named ' Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year ' in 2009.

He has continued to play at the top of his game and has been a 'shinning light' for The Eagles, despite what has been a much publicised and difficult season for the South London side.

The quiet, well rounded teenager said of his award:
"It is very pleasing as there are a lot of young players out there playing first-team football. I’m very happy."

The England U19 international, paid tribute to former manager Neil Warnock – now at QPR following Palace's move into administration – for handing him the opportunity to perform on the big stage.
"He gave me my first-team debut and I owe a lot for that opportunity. He gave me a lot of confidence to perform out on the field."


The full interview with Nathaniel Clyne, can be found in the April issue of FourFourTwo magazine.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reaction from Palace fan's on the unofficial Crystal Palace supporters website Holmesdale.net -


Quality youngster and potential England right back. Congratulations Nat and well deserved - 'Lewisham Eagle'

Richly deserved, well done Nathan - 'we_hate_jon_fortune'

Another great talent that will be nicked from us next season! - 'Palace Passion'

Fantastic player. Not only is he great for his age, he's a very good right-back in general. Glad to see he's getting credit where credit's due! - 'Mr Fenandes'

Thoroughly well deserved Nathaniel.
You are a wonderful role model for all aspiring young footballers out there.
Every Palace fan should be very proud to have such a talented, level-headed individual such as yourself at the Club.
Onwards & upwards - the cream always rises to the top! - 'prideofsouthlondon'

Well-deserved. Would go to the World Cup if there was any justice. Better than Wes Brown! - 'Mr 110%'