Cumbrian goalkeeper Adam Collin was today crowned Carlisle United’s top player of 2018/19 by News & Star readers.

The 34-year-old won our annual player of the year poll, beating midfielder Jamie Devitt in a two-horse race.

Collin attracted 41 per cent of the vote as nearly 500 Blues supporters had their say.

Devitt was next with 34 per cent, forward Hallam Hope third with six per cent.

Collin was presented with our trophy, supplied by Carlisle Glass, before today’s 4-2 victory over Crawley at Brunton Park, where he again produced some important saves to help keep the Blues' play-off hopes alive.

The keeper, in his second spell with the club, thanked supporters for naming him United’s leading performer.

“I am delighted to have won the player of the season award,” Collin said.

“I would like to thank the fans and readers of the News & Star who voted for me.

“I have really enjoyed my first season back at Carlisle, trying to help the club get into the play-off shake-up, and been really pleased with my own form.”

Collin, who rejoined United last summer, has made 45 appearances so far this term and turned in a number of excellent displays.

He is the first keeper to win our readers’ trophy since Keiren Westwood in 2008.

Manager Steven Pressley also saluted our prizewinner, who started his professional career with United after a spell with Workington Reds, then going on to play for Rotherham, Aberdeen and Notts County.

United’s boss said: “From day one this season he wasn’t the starting goalkeeper, so he obviously continued to make sure he was preparing properly for when his time came.

“He must have started the season with a clear focus on maintaining his own levels, because when he came into the side, his form has been terrific.

“He’s not only a brilliant example in terms of his performances, he’s a brilliant example in terms of the way he trains, in the way he treats people around the place.

“He’s a real example in what I’d call being a professional player. He carries out all the values that you would want. For him I think it’s thoroughly deserved.”