Skrtel scoops LDSA award
Liverpool's disabled supporters association presented Martin Skrtel with their Player of the Year award during a ceremony at Anfield last week.
The defender arrived early to chat to members of the LDSA and sign photographs for each of the excited guests before being presented with the 'Stuart Quinn Liverpool Disabled Supporters Player of the Year' trophy.
The Slovakian emerged as the fans' favourite following a poll that canvassed the LDSA's vast membership which has now grown to over 400.
The reception, held at the club's centenary lounge carried on into the night with a three-course meal, singer Andy Coleman and a magician on hand to ensure it was a night to remember.
"I am extremely pleased to receive the Player of the Year award and would like to thank all of the LDSA members for their great support," Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.com.
"Tonight's dinner has further shown what great supporters we have."
The LDSA was established nine years ago as a committee, whose aim was to improve provisions within Anfield for disabled supporters.
Since then, it has grown into one of the largest disabled associations in English football and has members as far away as Canada, the USA and Lithuania.
Chairman Keith Graham said: "Skrtel is a tremendous player and a very, very nice man.
"Nothing was too much trouble for the guy tonight and that shows a great respect for the supporters in general but especially the disabled fans here.
"We can't always get to see the heroes we go and watch on a weekly basis in person and so themed nights like this are important to everyone here.
"I would say that for the last three years, Skrtel has been working up to the level of being one of our best players. He was both the LDSA's player of the year and was voted Liverpoolfc.com's man as well."
Colin McCall, LFC's disability liaison officer is at the heart of the club's work with disabled supporters and he knows as well as anyone how important nights such as Thursday's can be.
"Tonight has been fantastic," said Colin. "Every year a player comes here and this year it was Skrtel, who had a cracking season last year, and the LDSA have chosen him as their star man.
"It's so important to have the support from Melwood but also from higher up the club and it's great how well supported we are.
"We've got a very active group and a very large membership - one of the biggest around Europe.
"The LDSA stands for equal access for all. We have members' forums throughout the year but we also have two gala dinners, this one being the Player of the Year award, and we also host a Christmas gala dinner.
"Tonight has been terrific and Martin has been a real credit to the club."
