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Coloccini To Pick Up Award
Written by Newcastle Utd
Magpies skipper Fabricio Coloccini will receive the 2011 North East Football Writers' footballer of the year award on Sunday
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
United captain Fabricio Coloccini will be presented with the 2011 North East Football Writers' footballer of the year award on Sunday night.
The Argentine ace was given the honour by the region's press pack, who voted for him ahead of team-mate Cheick Tiote, who was second, and Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley in third.
He was due to pick up the award at a star-studded ceremony at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham in November, but the event was postponed as a mark of respect following the tragic death of former Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed.
It has been rearranged for Sunday, at the same venue, and tributes will paid to Speed on the evening. The event will also raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
"Everyone was devastated by the news about Gary," said Colin Young, representing the North East Football Writers' Association. "There was simply no way we could go ahead with the event in November.
"He was someone my colleagues and I had a great deal of respect for because of the way he conducted himself on and off the field.
"Many of the guests and journalists at the awards knew Gary personally and this is an ideal occasion to pay tribute to a real football man who is greatly missed."
Coloccini is the 31st winner of the main award, which has previously been won by the likes of Alan Shearer, Shay Given and Kevin Phillips.
Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett is the North East FWA young footballer of the year, while Niall Quinn will be presented with the inaugral North East Football Writers' Association's Personality of the Year, in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Wembley winners Carlisle United, Darlington and Whitley Bay will also be honoured at the annual awards ceremony.
For more information on the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation or to view messages of support, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Room 203, Cheviot Court, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN.