Hartlepool captain Ritchie Humphreys is honoured after receiving an award at the North-East Football Writers' Association awards dinner.
The 34-year-old player-coach, the club's record appearance-maker, was honoured by a full house at Ramside Hall in Durham in recognition of his testimonial season.
Humphreys, who received a standing ovation when he collected his award, said: "I'm immensely honoured to get an award from the Football Writers' Association.
"To get such an ovation from people in the room who I have admired as players over the years was brilliant and a great thrill for me."
Humphreys, 34, who joined Pools on a free transfer in 2001, made his 500th appearance for the club as a substitute in the 2-0 home win over Rochdale in early January.
He set a new club record for appearances when he eclipsed Watty Moore's 472 games at Exeter in February last year.
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