If Shaun Barker stole most of the glory, Rachubka wasn't far behind and was genuinely shocked to get so many votes from fans.

"I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I was really surprised and I am still in shock to get the awards," he said.

"It has been a long season and to finish with that trophy in my hands means a lot to me.

"It will be in my cabinet … in fact I'll have to have one built now! It's my first player of the season award.

"But at Blackpool I feel wanted and settled. It's why I signed a new contract. I feel pleased that the club is going forward and I'm really happy.

"When we made sure we were safe by getting the result against Nottingham Forest it was a massive weight off everyone's shoulders and we showed that in our performance at Swansea.

Presentation night gallery. Click here for all the pictures from the big night.

"We are looking forward to next season. Because we finished with such a good set of results it is a shame the summer has come."

Rachubka, who rated his best performance of the season in the 0-0 away draw at Forest, also made a point of praising his team-mates.

"I can't speak highly enough about the defence. They have been fantastic," he said.

"Whatever defenders have been in there, including the midfielders who sit and hold, they have been fantastic, stopping crosses and shots.

"I have lots of very quiet games, and when I am called upon I like to think I can help the team out.

"There is no glory in goalkeeping, though. I just want to be consistent, trustworthy, keep the team in the game and allow the strikers to get the glory.

"They are the only people who can do that – I can only ever get us a point by keeping a clean sheet.

"You can draw a lot of games but three-point hauls are vital in this league and they will be even harder to come by next season.

"But we'll rest over the summer and come back ready to try and do just as well if not even better."

Club president Valery Belokon and owner Owen Oyston were seated together, while the audience was treated to a rerun of chairman Karl Oyston's infamous appearance on the football TV show Soccer AM.
The audience also sang happy birthday to Tony Parkes – he turned 60 yesterday.

However, he didn't get the present he wanted – he has still yet to be confirmed as manager. An announcement is expected in the next week.

*PETER Clarke scooped two player of the season awards at Southend – but the speculation linking him with a move back to Blackpool won't go away.

The defender is out of contract with the League One club and far from certain to remain at Roots Hall.

Clarke said: "I've never asked to leave but I don't know what the chairman has in mind."