Fresh from last night's Player of the Year Awards, it was confirmed today that Stephen Crainey will stay at Blackpool for at least another season, after a minutes option was triggered in his contract.

The defender has been a revelation for the Seasiders this season after joining on a free transfer from Leeds United in the summer.

On hearing that his contract with Pool will continue, the left-back said: "I'm delighted. I've really enjoyed my first year here. I've had a great run of games and I think I've had a good season - and the clubs had a good year with staying in the Championship."

It has been a season to remember for the former Celtic and Southampton player and one that has probably been his fittest, despite the odd injury.

"It was only a couple of niggles at the start of the season, then this wee setback at the end of the season, but a great run of games," he said. "I think I've played 40 or 40 plus games, so I'm delighted with the run of games that I had."

His debut season at Bloomfield Road was made even more unbelievable last night when he scooped five awards at the Player of the Year event. Crainey picked up the Leyland and Chorley Seasiders Player of the Year, BBC Radio Lancs Player of the Year and the BSA Player of the Season Awards.

As well as that, he picked up the two main club prizes - Players' Player of the Year and the Player of the Year Award in memory of John Schofield. It capped off a marvellous campaign for the Scot, who was quick to acknowledge his teammates on the night, but obviously delighted.

"That topped it off," he revealed. "I was really delighted with winning the awards that I won, especially the Players' Player Award. That meant a lot to me that the boys in the team voted for me for that, so that was a real honour for me.

"I was really shocked and surprised but delighted at the same time to be recognised that you've put in a good, consistent amount of games - and obviously from the fans point of view I've done well.

"The whole family is just delighted for me but, as a club, we just want to try and push on next year and hopefully we can better what we done this year," he added.