When the Premier League celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2003, one Irishman made the overall team of the decade. Denis Irwin nestled in at full back. Roy Keane having to make do a place on the 'overseas team of the decade'. The selection committee (which included august names like Richard Keys and Clive Tylesdley) preferred Patrick Vieira.
Well, the Football League is honouring its own team of the decade this year. No more than 2003, 2015 initially seems like a rather odd year in which to honour a team of a decade. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Football League Awards, hence the timing.
Only one player from each club was eligible, with each team sending their best player from the last decade. Norwich opted to put their classiest foot forward and selected Wes Hoolahan as their best player from the past 10 years.
He was honoured with a place on the team on the right hand side of a three-man midfield. Here is the full side.
WINNERS: The #FLAwards@FootballManager Team of the Decade is... http://t.co/XtRGIx9mnOpic.twitter.com/1mArYO8kXV
— The Football League (@football_league) April 19, 2015
High profile names selected include Gareth Bale, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Kasper Schmeichel.
The team is managed by Bournemouth maestro Eddie Howe, who rescued them from relegation in his first season and has then guided them to two promotions.
In the 2014-15 season awards, Middlesbrough goalscorer and Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford won the Championship player of the year, pipping Daryl Murphy who has banged in 24 goals this season.
