THE Northern Echo's Player of the Year awards have their seasonal airing this week.
After Darlington skipper Craig Liddle was crowned last year, the race is on for a successor.
And it's a fellow Third Division defender leading the way after the first round of ratings.
Hartlepool defender Chris Westwood has chalked up an average mark of 7.36 as Pool have started the season by motoring to top spot in Division Three.
Close on his tails, however, is Liddle's teammate Neil Maddison. After a disappointing first season at Feethams, the former Boro schemer has impressed this time around with his midfield displays.
Gareth Southgate, who finished third last year with a rating of 7.21, is in the same position this time around, but with a higher average of 7.28.
Southgate is a model of consistency and although he missed the win over Birmingham at the Riverside, he came back in style as part of a fine team performance at Spurs last weekend.
In fourth is Gordon Watson, Hartlepool's talisman who is currently out of action after breaking a leg against Darlington on September 14.
Watson has five goals and a rating of 7.25 from his eight League starts.
"One Job on Teesside" sang the Boro faithful during the White Hart Lane win and Joseph Job is in fifth place, averaging 7.2.
His career on Teesside looked over when he was sent on loan to French side Metz, but has come back a better player for it and is bubbling at Boro.
Ritchie Humphreys, be it on the left wing or in central midfield, comes in next with 7.18 this season, followed by three players averaging 7.
Ugo Ehiogu joins Newcastle duo Andy Griffin and Gary Speed in joint seventh spot.
Sunderland's sole representative is Claudio Reyna, who has transferred his great World Cup form to the Premiership.
Worringly for the Black Cats, not only do they only have a single representative in the top ten, they also have the player with the lowest rating in the North-East.
Tore Andre Flo cost over £8m, but can only must a below-par rating of 5.6 - no other player has an average below 6.
A goalscoring debut against Manchester United earned him a 7, but since then a smattering of fives drags his tally down.
At least for both Flo and Sunderland things can only get better as the season goes on.
* Averages are based on matchfacts ratings by The Northern Echo's team of football writers
* Players must have made a minimum of 20 appearances come May to qualify
* Ratings are based on League games only and substitutes must have appeared for at least 20 minutes
* Games included up to and including Monday, September 30
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