IT'S been a desperately disappointing season, but the time has now arrived to cast your vote for the prestigious annual Saints player of the year award.

Many of the greatest names in the club's history have lifted the coveted Daily Echo trophy, with goalkeeper Antti Niemi the current holder after being a landslide winner last season.

Niemi has had another generally solid season, although he has had spells out of the team with injury.

But with three different managers and, at the time of writing, just five league wins, there are clearly fewer outstanding candidates than in recent seasons.

The obvious frontrunners look likely to be strikers Peter Crouch and Kevin Phillips who have formed an impressive partnership up front on the way to a combined tally of 27 goals.

Elsewhere, it is difficult to see too many defenders featuring highly - although the likes of Graeme Le Saux and Paul Telfer have been reliable in spells both as fullbacks and midfielders.

Elsewhere, the new-look central midfield partnership of Jamie Redknapp and Nigel Quashie combined well for a spell of good performances after the January transfer window.

The decision, of course, rests with the fans, but my 1-2-3 this season would be Crouch, Phillips and Quashie in that order.