PHIL STEPHENSON is the king of Cougar Park after being crowned player of the Year.

Stepho came top of the pops in a poll carried out by the Supporters Club after a blistering season with Steve Deakin's team, which beat the odds to reach the NFP play-offs.

The popular played through injury after a walk-out of many of the club's senior players left the club struggling to put out a team and despite the pain he showed incredible leadership to pull the team together with some super-human performances.

Stepho joined the Cougars from Clayton amateur in March 1991 and has seen the club on a rollercoaster ride over the 10 years.

He left briefly and returned to the amateur ranks, but was soon called back to the Cougar cause.

During his time with the club he has seen them win the Division Three Championship in 1993, was part of the team which won the Division Two title in 1995 - and was then denied promotion when Super League was launched.

He has also paid two visits to Old Trafford - when the team won the Second Division Premiership in 1995, and also when they were beaten finalists the following year.

At Sunday's presentation ceremony Jason Ramshaw picked up the Players' Player title - the Dave Clarke Memorial Trophy - which was presented by his parents. He also took the Clubman of the Year title for his community work off the field and the Freddy Club award from the club's junior section.

Gareth Hooson was named Alliance Player of the Year and Danny Horne took the Young Player of the Year Title, the Jack Wilson Memorial Trophy which was presented by his son Alex.

The try of the season award was judged by the club's video team and the award when to Craig Horne for an outstanding score against Sheffield Eagles.

The young winger ducked and dived his way past the Eagles first line of defence, seemed to take a breather, and then launched another jinking run to the line.

Club skipper Jason Ramshaw has also been awarded a Testimonial Season by the rugby league to mark his 10 years with the club.

The 12 months of events is due to start on December 1 and a meeting is to be held at Cougar Park on Thursday to develop ideas for a programme of events.

"Anyone who has any ideas or wants to take part in any way should come along to the club. We hope to form a Testimonial Committee during the evening," said club manager Gary Murgatroyd.