THAT a Chelsea player will win the Footballer of the Year awards, from both his peers and the writers, there can be little doubt.From what I have gleaned, speaking to colleagues in the press and players, it seems John Terry and Frank Lampard will be fighting it out on the awards night - although not in a Lee Bowyer/Kieron Dyer way, I might add.

By Derek Davis

THAT a Chelsea player will win the Footballer of the Year awards, from both his peers and the writers, there can be little doubt.

From what I have gleaned, speaking to colleagues in the press and players, it seems John Terry and Frank Lampard will be fighting it out on the awards night - although not in a Lee Bowyer/Kieron Dyer way, I might add.

The fact that three Chelsea players are nominated by the PFA members is an indication of how players see the club and shows they are not concerned about any such nonsense as 'buying the title'.

They recognise quality and ability pure and simple and the Blues' duo have been immense this season, which can only bode well for England in the World Cup next year. Personally, I'm edging towards Lampard for my nomination, although being outvoted by the Terry contingent wouldn't ruin my night.

The young player award is not quite so straightforward, with Stewart Downing, for me, challenging the Manchester rivals Wayne Rooney and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

LIVERPOOL's name is already on the Champions' League trophy if you believe in omens.

A couple doing the rounds are that when the Reds won the European Cup 1978, the Welsh won rugby's Grand Slam and the Pope died; and that in 1981 Prince Charles married and Liverpool won the European Cup.

What a load of twaddle - everyone knows Chelsea are going to win it but it won't be because they deserve it, no it is because they have spent loads of money.

Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and so on.

ISN'T it funny how everyone laughs when an official gets hit by a ball or falls over? So you can imagine the guffaws in Essex when referee Ian Barnett ended up needing treatment after suffering a gashed head caused by his own whistle

He was about to blow up when a defensive clearance saw the ball smash into his hand. The impact knocked the whistle into his forehead, causing a deep cut and bruising.

Players rushed to help 40-year-old Barnett during a cup game between Hatfield Heath and The Old Bell, in the NorthWest Essex League, and, apart from a sore head and bruised ego, he was fine.

BRENTFORD could face disciplinary charges from the Football Association for failing to control their fans during the League One match against Tranmere on Tuesday.

Referee Grant Hegley's report has been sent to Soho Square citing “aggressive and threatening behaviour” and alleged racial comments made by Bees fans to opposition players.

STOKE forward Chris Greenacre has revealed he will be leaving the club at the end of this season. The 27-year-old's contract expires in the summer and will not be renewed.

ROTHERHAM are to receive £1.7million from the Football Foundation to help pay for a £3.2million new stand at Millmoor.

FINALLY, congratulations to Ipswich Town defender and EADT columnist Jason De Vos, who became the very proud father of a little boy yesterday.

Jake William De Vos weighed in on his due date at a healthy 8lbs 14ozs, at Ipswich Hospital, and Jason has already marked him down as a future Town centre-half.

By the way, I would be happy to pass on your best wishes if you want to send in your e-mails.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk