Stern cops double club awards -

Trinidad and Tobago English-based striker Stern John was celebrated by his Southampton Club as he was named the club’s Player of the Year and also received the Goal of the Season Award at the club’s Player Awards ceremony on Tuesday night.

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ohn’s superb goal against Stoke was one of two efforts he had on the Goal of the Season short-list, sponsored by Weatherhills.

“One of the most anticipated awards is always the Players' Player of the Season, sponsored by Parkhouse, where players get to find out what their team-mates really think of them! This years' 'Best in Show' went to Stern John who picked up his second trophy of the night.

The Trinidad and Tobago striker's impressive haul of 17 league goals have shown him to be a sound investment following his countryman Kenwyne Jones' move up to Sunderland,” a statement from the Southampton club.

John was elated.

“It came somewhat of a surprise to me but I think it was fitting and special in many regards because we’ve had a hard season and when players pay tribute to you in this way by selecting you as their best player, it says a lot and brings a lot of personal satisfaction to you,”John said.

“The goal award was also special. I had two goals in the final five and I felt I had some my better goals at this club so the award was a deserved one. I will still like to get to twenty with two games left in the season. But right now the main focus is to go all out and win the next two matches and make sure we don’t have to worry about where we will be playing next season. We face the league leaders West Brom next and this is going to be a massive one for the club,” John said.

John, expected in the country in mid-May, is backing head coach Francisco Maturana to get the best possible team ready for the friendly against England on June 1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, as well as the back to back 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda on June 15 and 22.

“I think what he (Maturana) is doing is trying to set the right foundation for the team and at this time it’s not too late. I think he knows what sort of quality he has already in some of the players based outside and right now he’s trying to prepare a base of local players to ensure that we have good depth in the squad. It is important that the players involved now get all the support especially for the games like the one coming up against Grenada . These are good games for the younger players because this is how you get the experience that will enable you to push on more against the higher ranked teams like a Mexico or USA . Of course we need to be playing bigger teams in the friendlies as well and that’s where the likes of a Jamaica comes on. The England game will be an important one for us because it gives us a chance to test our level at this time before the bigger qualifiers come around,” John added.

The evening’s proceedings was rounded off by a charity auction with all proceeds going to help Saints in the Community. Fans from boxes 22 and 24 bid £1,100 for a match-worn pair of John's boots.