Henry wins writers' player of year award for third time

LONDON, Apr 27 (Reuters) Thierry Henry was voted Footballer of the Year for the third time in four years by the Football Writers' Association (FWA) today.

The Arsenal and France striker was confirmed a clear winner ahead of runner-up John Terry of Chelsea and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who finished third.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, the Professional Footballer's Association (PFA) Player of the Year, finished fourth ahead of Joe Cole and last year's winner Frank Lampard.

Henry also collected the award in 2003 and 2004, the first back-to-back winner, and the first overseas player to win the award twice.

Paul Hetherington, chairman of the FWA, said: ''Henry is a deserving winner in a season when there have been several outstanding candidates, such as Terry, Rooney and Gerrard.

''Henry's achievement ranks him up there as the greatest player in the 59-year history of the award.'' Reuters PR GC2353