SUNDERLAND midfielder Lee Cattermole has been named the North-East Football Writers’ Association’s Player of the Year for 2014.

The Stockton-born midfielder beat his former team-mate, Newcastle United’s Jack Colback, who was second in the poll, and Middlesbrough skipper Grant Leadbitter, who was third.

All three players are the product of a North-East academy, and all fill the pivotal central midfield role at their respective clubs.

Middlesbrough centre-half Ben Gibson won the Young Player of the Year award, narrowly beating his Teesside team-mate Adam Reach, Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett and former Hartlepool United striker Luke James.

Cattermole’s award is a reflection of the pivotal role he played in last season’s successful survival battle, with the Black Cats’ fortunes improving markedly when the 26-year-old returned to the starting line-up to replace Liam Bridcutt.

The Middlesbrough academy product also started the current campaign with a series of stand-out displays, which led to calls for him to be promoted to the senior England set-up.

Cattermole is the 32nd winner of the NEFWA Player of the Year award, and follows in the footsteps of former Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who won it in 2013.

The awards will be presented at the North-East Football Writers’ Player of the Year dinner, which will be staged at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Sunday, November 30.

The event will feature other awards and entertainment, and will be co-hosted by former Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott and include a set from stand-up comedian Josh Daniels.

Tickets are available by contacting 0191 375 3080.