Thirty-eight-year-old veteran midfielder Marvin Oliver was named Central FC Player of the Year on Wednesday night when the club hosted its 2013/2014 season Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Super Industrial Services (SIS) Auditorium in Couva.
Oliver, who recently penned a two-year extension and turns 39 in August, beat top performers and Trinidad and Tobago internationals Willis Plaza, Rundell Winchester and goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, and brothers Elton John and Jason Marcano to the award.
But Oliver, who won similar awards at former clubs Caledonia AIA and San Juan Jabloteh, prefers to share his latest award with his Central teammates.
"My teammates deserve to share the award with me," said the classy midfielder, who in 2007 had won the Toyota/TT Pro League Player of the Year award.
"My name was called to receive the award but I wouldn't have been voted the top Central FC player if it wasn't for the support of my teammates on and off the field. We worked as a team and they allowed me to strive and do what I do best."
Oliver admitted however, that it is a tremendous accomplishment for him, especially at his age, and was again thankful for the support of his teammates and coaching staff.
"I would like to get into coaching, although for the past few years I've been coaching while playing," Oliver responded, when asked how long he expects his playing career to last.
"But presently I am still able to do what I love doing, which is to play, and I have the support of my teammates. I would go on as long as my body can," concluded the ex-T&T midfielder.
Twenty-year-old Tobagonian Winchester, whose deceptive speed caused problems for opposing teams and excited the league, grabbed three awards on the night.
Winchester was named the Central FC's Young Player of the Year, Goal of the Season Player, and Supporters' Choice Goal of the Year.
Plaza with 18 goals in 20 matches for the "Sharks" has been a sensation since joining the club during the mid-season (December/January) transfer window. Plaza picked up the club's Golden Boot and Most Offensive Player awards.
While 2006 Toyota/TT Pro League Player of the Year, goalkeeper Williams, was awarded the Most Defensive Player accolade, ahead of top defenders Yohance Marshall and Elton John.
John's work however, didn't go unnoticed, and he picked up the Supporters' Player of the Year, while brother Marcano was chosen as the Players' Player of the Year.
All awardees were crucial in the second-year-old club's First Citizens Cup and Lucozade Sport Goal Shield titles this season, and a second position finish in the Digicel Pro League to qualify for the 2015 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship.
2013/2014 Central FC Awardees
Player of the Year - Marvin Oliver
Players Player of the Year - Jason Marcano
Supporters Player of the Year - Elton John
Young Footballer of the Year - Rundell Winchester
Golden Boot - Willis Plaza (18 goals in 20 matches)
Most Offensive Player - Willis Plaza
Most Defensive Player - Jan-Michael Williams
Goal of the Season - Rundell Winchester
Supporters Goal of the Season - Rundell Winchester