Torquay United captain Lee Mansell has joined the select band of players who have won the Gulls' Player of the Year award twice after winning the award for the 2011-12 campaign.
Mansell, who also won the Npower Player of the Month award in March and was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, joins Mike Mahoney (1972-73 & 1973-74), Colin Anderson (1982-83 & 1983-84) and Kevin Hill (1999-00 & 2005-06) to be chosen as the Gulls' Player of the Year on two occasions, as he alson won the prize in the 2006-07 season.
During the current campaign, Mansell has scored 13 goals and chipped in with nine assists after being restored to his favoured position of central midfield after Martin Ling's arrival as manager in the summer, following Paul Buckle's departure to Bristol Rovers.
Ling was quick to praise his captain on lifting the award and singled out his professionalism and leadership qualities.
"Lee is the heartbeat of our team." said Ling. "He is always prepared to go the extra mile, whether it's in training or on the pitch, and everybody else follows his lead. He is a great captain to have and his season has been beyond all our expectations, especially on goal-return."
This sentiment was shared by assistant manager Shaun Taylor. He said: "There have been a number of excellent performers but for his overall contribution, it had to go to Lee Mansell. It is not easy being a captain and he has led by example."
Player of the Year Runner-up and fellow PFA Team of the Year member goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik also echoed the views of his manager and assistant manager.
He said: "It had to go to Lee Mansell, not just for his goals, but the fact he keeps everyone going on the pitch and in the dressing room with his positive attitude. When the going gets tough, he is the first to dig in and encourage."
After drawing 1-1 with Crewe yesterday, the Gulls remain fourth in League Two and need a win to be in with a chance of clinching the final automatic promotion place.
If Torquay win promotion this season then Mansell would join another two select group of Gulls players. Those who have led Torquay to promotion and whose who have won two promotions whilst at Plainmoor, as he was also part of the side that won promotion from the Conference in 2009.
