Star winger Nicky Adams is today crowned Carlisle United's player of the year by News & Star readers - after a landslide victory in our poll.

The 30-year-old received an overwhelming 55 per cent of the overall vote to be named the Blues' top performer of 2016/17.

Hundreds of readers had their say as former Bury and Northampton man Adams finished well clear of the nearest contender - midfielder Mike Jones, who attracted 10 per cent of the vote.

The player whose wonder goal against Newport last weekend helped keep Carlisle's promotion hopes alive said he was grateful for the honour.

"I just want to thank everyone who voted," Adams said.

"It's a massive honour for myself on a personal note. Since I've come in the door the fans have been unbelievable with me, giving me that extra little bit, knowing I'm going to turn up on a Saturday and they're always behind me.

"I've also got to thank my team-mates and the gaffer - he believes in me and I think he's getting the best out of me. I'm overwhelmed."

Adams - also voted Junior Blues' player of the year and named in the PFA League Two team of the season - will play a key part for the Cumbrians at Exeter this afternoon, where victory would clinch a place in the play-offs.

He admitted that helping the Blues take a further step towards promotion would eclipse any personal accolades.

Adams said: "It's gone to the last day, but our main aim is to get to Wembley and get promoted.

"Any award is a massive achievement for myself but I would trade it all for a good day at Wembley for the lads, the staff and the fans."

Third place in our poll was claimed by Charlie Wyke, who scored 18 goals before joining League One promotion-chasers Bradford in January.

He took nine per cent of the vote, followed by Jabo Ibehre (eight per cent), Jason Kennedy (six per cent), Luke Joyce (four per cent) and Danny Grainger (three per cent).

The News & Star trophy was supplied by Longhorn.