DOUBLE player of the year award winner Antony Sweeney has paid tribute to his Hartlepool United team-mates.

The 14-goal midfielder won both the fans and players' honours, and was presented with his trophies before last weekend's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Victoria Park.

Sweeney's goals have kept Pools' heads above water this season going into Saturday's finale at Charlton.

"It's special to win the fans' and players' player of the season awards,'' he reflected.

"I think I have been away player of the year before but the fans' vote first and foremost is brilliant because they are paying their hard-earned cash to come and see us and it's a really special award.

"On the other hand, I'm not sure which one is better because to get recognition off your team-mates as well who you train with every day and play with - without their help and support you don't get anywhere.

"They are both two special awards for different reasons."

After making his debut as a teenager in 2000, Sweeney is Pools' longest-serving player.

He's in the club's top ten all-time appearance chart and this season has matched his previous best tally for goals, achieved in 2004/5.

"I'm not so sure they have been a long time coming,'' he said. "I'll take them when they come.

"Sometimes you can go a career without getting an award like that, so as long as they are coming, hopefully in terms of team performances we will be better in the coming season.

"I'm not sure if it's my best season at Hartepool United. I think it's between this and the time I scored a few goals when we had a side that was playing well above what people expected and probably what we expected at the start of the season when we reached the League One play-off final.

"But it just shows you, if you've got a good team spirit - which we had then - it can carry you to massive points and we ended up in a play-off final.

"Who would have thought that? Hartlepool United against Sheffield Wednesday in a cup final.

"I think with a few more additions to the squad there is every chance we could do it again - you look at Rochdale, Leyton Orient, they are in and around the play-offs and there is every chance you can go on that run.''

Sam Collins won the away player award and Sweeney admits the skipper was one of his picks for the dressing room award.

"I voted for Peter Hartley,'' he admitted. "Going from left-back where it wasn't his natural position, he did admirably there.

"And then when he came back into central defence and to be a mainstay, for me it was between him, Sam Collins and Paul Murray.

"But I went for Peter because he came in from left-back and showed what he can do as a centre half.''

He added: "I got a bit of stick after the game and told the lads that I appreciated the votes from the ones who voted for me. There was a few boos.

"Then I reserved a few words for the ones who didn't!

"I'm sure the banter will come in midweek and I will get a few jokes but, as I say, I'm immensely proud of getting the trophies and more proud of Hartlepool staying in League One."