IT’S been long, it’s been emotional, and for a lot of the time, it’s been downright awful. But on Sunday, the most gruelling of North-East football seasons will finally come to an end.

So in a mood that is half celebration and half despair, it’s time for my personal take on the season of shame.

BEST NORTH-EAST PLAYER:

Not exactly the most hard fought of categories, but Danny Collins deserves a mention for another steady campaign and Tuncay Sanli has flickered into life sporadically at Middlesbrough.

My vote goes to Sebastien Bassong at Newcastle though, even though he blotted his copybook with a senseless dismissal on Saturday.

The Frenchman was a trialist when the Magpies visited Doncaster last July – ten months later, and he is being linked with a possible summer move to Arsenal.

His performance at Chelsea last November was the best display I saw from a North- East player all season.

WORST NORTH-EAST PLAYER:

You could choose pretty much anyone and few would argue, but I’ve overlooked the claims of Afonso Alves and Fabricio Coloccini.

Instead, I’ve gone for Joey Barton, surely the most thoroughly unpleasant character currently playing in the Premier League.

His tackle on Xabi Alonso at Liverpool was merely the latest act to besmirch Newcastle’s reputation, and the sooner Barton leaves Tyneside, the better.

BEST OPPOSITION PLAYER:

I’ve stuck to the games I’ve attended, so Steven Gerrard wins by a distance thanks to his performance in Liverpool’s 5-1 win at Newcastle in December.

The Footballer of the Year was unstoppable that afternoon, scoring two and setting up another as Liverpool ran riot.

His dynamism and energy stood in marked contrast to the laboured efforts of those in the opposition ranks, and confirmed his standing as England’s best midfielder.

BEST MATCH:

It might turn out to have been an irrelevance to both sides, but this month’s Tyne-Tees derby between Newcastle and Middlesbrough was still a fantastic occasion.

Two sets of passionate supporters, a crackling atmosphere, and an actionpacked encounter that flowed from one end to the other. A fleeting glimpse of what North-East football should be.

BEST GOAL:

He hasn’t done much else, but Kieran Richardson’s Wear-Tyne derby winner over Newcastle was one of the season’s highlights. As a free-kick, it was just about perfect. As a way to win a derby, it was as good as you’re ever going to get.

NICEST MAN IN NORTH-EAST FOOTBALL (1):

It’s become a bit of a mantra this season, but Gareth Southgate really is one of the nicest guys in football.

He’s conducted himself with dignity throughout Middlesbrough’s relegation battle, refusing to hide behind platitudes and remaining friendly and approachable throughout.

Sadly, Boro’s likely demise is set to prove that nice guys don’t always win.

NICEST MAN IN NORTH-EAST FOOTBALL (2):

The only person to push Southgate close is Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn.

Witty, intelligent and steadfastly down-to-earth, Quinn is poised to steal Steve Gibson’s mantle as the best chairman in football. It’s just a shame that as Northern Echo readers will attest following our exclusive Cheltenham preview, he’s a bloody awful racing tipster.

VILLAIN OF THE NORTH-EAST GAME:

You could choose any one of three or four from the Newcastle boardroom, but I’ve gone for Dennis Wise.

God only knows what he did to justify his £1m-a-year plus salary, but it certainly wasn’t explaining his mysterious transfer dealings to the club’s fans.

He was integral to the departure of Kevin Keegan, and will be remembered as the don of the ‘Cockney Mafia’ that infested St James’ Park.

BEST INTERVIEWEE:

I’m tempted to go for Roy Keane, because press conferences just haven’t been the same since his goatee disappeared into the sunset.

But, instead, it’s time for Boro’s hometown heroes to take a collective step forward. Stewart Downing, Matthew Bates, Tony McMahon, Andrew Taylor, David Wheater, Ross Turnbull – all local lads, all polite, punctual and aware of their responsibilities to both their club and the local area.

As a collective, they have formed a welcome antidote to the image of the modernday footballer that tends to ring true.

WORST INTERVIEWEE:

It has to be Michael Owen – mainly because he hasn’t been one.

Since being appointed club captain, Owen has failed to conduct a single interview with the regional morning press.

It was bad enough when he was hiding behind his exclusive national newspaper deal at the start of his Newcastle career, but at least he wasn’t captain then.

Owen has shirked his responsibilities all season – whether on or off the field.

He clearly thinks he’s too big to be bothering with The Northern Echo – it’s just a shame I won’t be able to tell him I don’t want to speak to him at Peterborough next season.

BEST AWAY GROUND VISITED:

We’re in a privileged position in the press, so our view of a ground can be different to that of the travelling supporters. But I don’t think anyone will be arguing with my choice of the Emirates.

Magnificent from the outside, it’s even better when you get into the stadium, and the whole experience exudes the kind of class and sophistication you expect from Arsenal.

WORST AWAY GROUND VISITED:

I could have said the Dinamo Stadium in Minsk, but there’s something quite exciting about having to unplug a hotdog machine in order to get enough power to file your report.

So I’m going to plump for Fratton Park instead. The visiting supporters’ section might have a roof over its head now, but the rest of the ground remains an unreconstructed eyesore.

Some ageing stadiums – like Goodison Park or Villa Park – reek of charm.

Portsmouth’s home, on the other hand, simply reeks.