IT was a Huyton double act for the prestigious Dixie Dean and Bill Shankly Memorial Awards.
The 26th winner of the Dixie Dean Memorial Award was Goodison great Peter Reid, while Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard became the youngest ever recipient of the Bill Shankly Memorial Award - both players who honed their skills on the playing fields of Huyton.
Reid, who inspired Everton to the most successful spell in the club's history between 1984 and 1987, received his award from former team-mate and current Sky analyst and Echo columnist Andy Gray.
"The name on this trophy - William Ralph Dean - says it all," said Reid."I am very proud to receive this award. Very proud indeed."
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard became the first current player to collect the Bill Shankly award - following retired legends like Ron Yeats, Ian Rush and Roger Hunt - and he immediately dedicated the trophy to his team-mates.
The trophy is usually awarded to former heroes. But this year's judging panel felt that Gerrard's inspirational performances have already earned him the title 'Anfield legend.'
"I accept this trophy on behalf of the team," said Gerrard, whose efforts were instrumental in the famous European Cup win.
"I know Jamie Carragher and myself have been given a lot of credit this year, but all the players have contributed.
"Obviously it means a lot to me to pick up an award with Bill Shankly's name on it. He's an Anfield legend and I'm thrilled to be following so many great names from the past. "The highlight of 2005 was winning the European Cup again and that was very much a team effort throughout the competition.
"We're very proud to have contributed to the history of the club in the same way as all those great teams of the past.
"It has been a fantastic year for us in winning the Champions League, but everyone knows we're hungry for more. We want that to be the start for us and we're still thinking of adding to that this year.
"There is still a lot for us to play for, and even though we had a disappointing weekend, we're confident we can pick ourselves up and do well in the big matches ahead."
