IT only took Des Lyttle 15 years to add the Worcester City Players' Player of the Year award to his earlier Young Player of the Year accolade!

Being able to place both gongs on the mantelpiece is no mean feat for Lyttle, City's own captain marvel, considering he has spent just two full seasons at St George's Lane.

And doesn't the old warhorse deserve his latest award? Although he was not without rivals for the honour.

City's turn-around season was built on its three-man defence, magnificent for the most part.

For that, Chris Smith and Justin Thompson, sweeper Lyttle's flanker buddies, warrant huge recognition.

Striker Adam Webster, winner of the Supporters' award, shot past the 20-goal barrier for the second successive season.

But for sheer consistency and lionheart performances, Lyttle is head and shoulders clear for me.

Game after game, he is a regular seven-out-of-10 man and better. Cool, calm and composed, he has lost none of the attributes that made him a star in the 1990s Nottingham Forest side.

Stepping into Paul Carty's shoes from the end of last season, he has made football's libero role look frighteningly easy.

A pace or two behind Smith and Thompson, Lyttle is always there if and when the defensive line is breached.

He reads the game beautifully and is never afraid to bring the ball out of defence.

Several City goals have arisen from counter-attack moves led by the Wolverhampton man.

By Lyttle's own admission, he took a month to settle at City. After so many years enjoying the high life at Forest and West Brom, to face Vauxhall Motors and Gainsborough Trinity needs a little time getting used to.

But there is no doubting that Lyttle's mistakes this season can be counted on one hand.

Yes, ordering Adam Burley to 'catch the ball' inside his own penalty box was a blemish, but City's supporters can excuse him that one!

What's more, Lyttle is a leader and a vocal one at that. Once Carty and Carl Heeley left ship, City were without an organiser, a cajoler, an inspirational figure on the field.

But Lyttle has filled that void. At home or away, his Black Country shrill can be heard a mile away as he encourages Worcester forward.

And naturally, off the pitch, a smile is never far away from Lyttle's face when youngsters ask for an autograph or picture.

It is perhaps fitting that Sam Wedgbury, now a Premiership footballer at Sheffield United, collected this season's Young Player award.

Fifteen years ago, Lyttle landed the same City accolade before heading professional to grace top league grounds nationwide and in Europe.

And now, after a very long absence, Worcester fans are again enjoying one of their favourite old boys leading from the back.