RITCHIE Humphreys last night crowned a memorable season when he was named Hartlepool United's player of the year.

Humphreys has been instrumental in guiding Pool to the verge of the Division Three championship, netting 11 times including a hat-trick against Swansea in February.

Last season ended in tears for the classy midfielder, after his penalty in the sudden death play-off shoot out at Cheltenham crashed off the bar and consigned Pool to another season in Division Three.

But he has been an ever present this term and started the season with a goal in the 3-1 win at Carlisle on the opening day of the season last August.

The former England under-21 starlet, now 25, signed a new, two year contract to extend his stay at Victoria Park.

Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling was handing out the awards and Chris Westwood, who is in pole position to take the Northern Echo player of the year prize, picked up the prize as the away player of the year.

Left winger Mattie Robson was named as the youth player of the year, and skipper Micky Barron took the fans award from the Jolly Boys.

Meanwhile Newcastle trialist Joe Kendrick netted the only goal in yesterday's reserve win over Scunthorpe at Victoria Park.

The left sided defender won a header on the halfway line as the visitors threatened to break away, played a one-two with Paul Arnison and fired into the net from 18 yards.

Middlesbrough defender Andrew Kelly also played for Pool, winger Paul Smith was replaced with 20 minutes remaining, and striker Gordon Watson got another 90 minutes under his belt.

* Pool have sold 1,300 tickets for Saturday's game at Scunthorpe and the 700 remaining are on sale today and any left will be available on the Glanford Park turnstiles.

* Leyton Orient midfielder Carl Hutchings has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The 28-year-old would have been out of contract in June, but has been told he will not be offered a new deal.

Hutchings started 32 games for Orient since signing on a free transfer from Southend 14 months ago.

Wycombe manager Lawrie Sanchez has handed a trial to QPR defender Danny Murphy.

The 20-year-old former Loftus Road trainee has not played for Rangers since February.

Read more about Hartlepool here.