Wigan Athletic star '˜best in the North West'

Byrne had already swept the board at the club awards at the end of last term, and he took the vote for the region as well at a glittering dinner in Manchester.

He beat off competition from Bradley Dack (Blackburn), Dan Gardner (Oldham) and Ian Henderson (Rochdale) to win the award.

However, Paul Cook lost out to Pep Guardiola in the Manager of the Year category.

Latics were also nominated in the Community Club of the Year, Comminity Initiative of the Year, Promoting Inclusion Award and Best Club Marketing, Sponsorship or Engagement, but lost out to Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.