Declan Rice has been crowned 2019/20 Betway Hammer of the Year.
West Ham United’s ever-present England international midfielder received nearly 50% of all votes cast by the Claret and Blue Army, winning the prestigious award after finishing as runner-up in each of the previous two seasons.
Rice held off the challenge of runner-up Angelo Ogbonna, who enjoyed a strong season at centre-back, with ten-goal forward Michail Antonio in third place.
The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form, starting and finishing all 37 Premier League matches and playing nearly 500 more minutes than any other Hammer in all competitions so far.
Rice captained the Irons on four occasions, including the 3-2 Premier League win over Chelsea at London Stadium at the start of July, and scored an outstanding goal in the 3-1 victory over Watford that all but secured West Ham’s top-flight status.
The No41 ranks in the Premier League’s top five in both tackles and interceptions made this season. He leads West Ham in both categories and has made more passes than any other Hammer.
The Academy of Football graduate becomes the 42nd different player to be named Hammer of the Year, and the eighth different winner in the last eight seasons.
It is 62 years since members of the West Ham United Supporters’ Club recognised the outstanding player of the season with an official award for the first time.
The first recipient was defender Andy Malcolm, whose form helped Ted Fenton’s side to win the Division Two title on the final day of a memorable campaign.
Rice becomes the 14th Academy graduate to be named Hammer of the Year, following five-time winner Sir Trevor Brooking, four-time winner Bobby Moore, three-time winners Sir Geoff Hurst and Alvin Martin, two-time winners Steve Potts and Mark Noble, and one-time winners Andy Malcolm, Ken Brown, Martin Peters, Paul Allen, Tony Cottee, Paul Ince and Joe Cole.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Declan on being crowned Hammer of the Year.
