Clubs: Wimbledon, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Hearts, Tranmere Rovers

Andy Thorn was a proven top-flight defender and the owner of a FA Cup winners' medal when he moved to the Eagles from Newcastle United in November 1989. The fee appeared considerable but it proved a brilliant signing for Andy immediately shored up a rather leaky defence to help ensure Palace's top-flight status while also assisting in the club's first appearance in the FA Cup final.

The brilliant example of Andy's impact at Palace was to be seen on his debut at Old Trafford. Palace, previously without an away win all season, came from behind to beat Manchester United.

Tough, unrelenting and a fearsome opponent, Andy won five England Under 21 caps in his early years in the game and upon joining Palace he proved himself more than capable of subduing the nation's best strikers week in and week out. In the absence of Geoff Thomas Andy deputised as Palace's captain and he was a player who always earned the respect and admiration. It was therefore no surprise when Andy won the Player of the Year award in 1993 but a troublesome knee injury lead to a long spell on the sidelines and in October 1994 he returned to his first club Wimbledon.

Statistics

Player of the Year: 1993