Saints fans are currently enjoying one of the best years in the club's long history and can today start to cast their votes for the player of the season.

With a top-half finish in the Premiership still very possible and a place in the FA Cup final and a European campaign for next season already secured, this year's award will be one of the most prestigious ever - and it's up to you who gets it.

The obvious front runner will be top hitman James Beattie.

Not only is he the club's leading scorer but is also leading the race for the Premiership's top marksman and is second in the standings for the European Golden Boot.

Beattie has already won the award once and could join a very select band of players to win the Daily Echo award for a second time.

But, although he is well clear on the goalscoring stakes, Gordon Strachan's team has been built on more than just that.

Another contender is sure to be Antti Niemi, who has been on superb form in goal since his £2m move from Hearts earlier in the season.

Last season's winner Chris Marsden should also poll a fair share of the votes with his influential performances leading Saints to many victories this season.

Central defensive pairing Claus Lundekvam and Michael Svensson could also be in the running for the trophy while full-backs Wayne Bridge and Paul Telfer have also made a large contribution to the team this season.

An outside bet could be Matthew Oakley, who is something of an unsung hero for the team, but his continual presence is an indication of how vital he is.

Fabrice Fernandes might well have won the award had the vote been taken at Christmas but could still pick up votes for creativity on the right side of the Saints midfield, while Brett Ormerod's work-rate and semi-final goal could also be rewarded with votes.

The winner of the prestigious award will be announced before Saints' final home game of the season against Bolton on May 3.

To place your vote get a copy of tonight's Echo and call the number shown.