Keane voted the best

LONDON -- Manchester United captain Roy Keane was crowned English footballer of the year on Saturday, winning the oldest honour of its kind by a record margin.

In the biggest ever poll, members of the Football Writers' Association voted overwhelmingly for the Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain.

Keane landed 53 percent of the vote, the largest winning margin in the award's 52-year history, after guiding United to a sixth Premiership title in eight years.

A delighted Keane said: "This is a fantastic honour. I never thought I would see the day when I would be given such an accolade. I am very excited personally, but it's also a great reflection on the whole Manchester United team.''

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "This award makes up for last year when I thought Keane should have been footballer of the year, but I'm also delighted for him as well as the club because it reflects what we have achieved this season."

Football Writers' Association chairman Paul McCarthy said: "Keane is a worthy winner because he is the heartbeat of a magni-ficent side and his levels of consistency and excellence are unmatched this season. That was reflected in the vote."

Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips was second with Harry Kewell of Leeds in third place.

Keane will receive the award at the footballer of the year dinner in London on May 18 when he will be presented with the Sir Stanley Matthews Trophy, dedicated to the memory of its first-ever winner. -- Sapa-AFP