Benito Carbone scooped the Telegraph & Argus/JCT600 Bradford City player of the year award and then declared: "I could still be here next season".

The Italian pocketed the bulk of the trophies at the club's awards dinner at Pennington's Variety Bar last night.

Carbone beat skipper Stuart McCall and centre-forward Ashley Ward, whose recent run of form saw him pick up a late burst of votes.

And as he accepted the crown, last won by Peter Beagrie, Carbone tossed a juicy soundbite to the packed audience of fans, players and officials.

When asked if he would be with City in August, Carbone replied: "Yes, why not.

"I have three years of my contract to go and I am happy here."

His announcement, delivered with a broad smile, brought the house down - although the vast majority of those applauding believe he will still be on his way, with Rangers the latest club to reportedly take an interest.