RISING star Wade Elliott has capped a remarkable first full season with Cherries by winning the prestigious Daily Echo-Micky Cave supporters' player of the year award.

Elliott, who deferred his degree studies in a bid to make his name just 14 months ago, pipped Jermain Defoe for the trophy in the closest vote in the 15-year history of the award.

The 22-year-old midfielder polled 22 per cent of a record entry of more than 1,000 votes and finished narrowly ahead of runner-up Defoe and third-placed Jason Tindall.

Elliott, a bargain £15,000 buy from non-league Bashley, received his award from Cherries fan Steve Milburn before last night's friendly against Bournemouth Poppies.

Ironically, it was the first time Elliott had returned to Victoria Park since lining up for Bashley reserves in a Wessex Combination clash against the Poppies three years ago!

He said: "It's a great honour to win this award and I would like to thank all the supporters who voted for me. This is a very special moment and something that will stay with me forever.

"I know Claus Jorgensen won the trophy last year so maybe it helps being a winger and having a role where you can attack and get forward because that is something the fans enjoy seeing.

"I would also like to thank Sean O'Driscoll and Peter Grant. They have both put a great deal of time in with me and have always encouraged me to do the things they think I am good at.

"They have both been tremendous. They want me to run at people and go past people whereas maybe some other managers would get you working on other areas of your game.

"They have always got a helpful word if there is something I need to work on like my defending or my positioning and hopefully those areas of my game have improved in the past few months.

"Sean and Peter are always encouraging the players and everybody in the squad is willing to learn. Hopefully that has shown through this season and the fans have seen the improvement."

Elliott became an instant hit with Cherries fans when he netted on his full debut against Wycombe during a 2-0 victory at Dean Court 13 months ago.

He ended last season with three goals to his name from just six starts, and, since establishing himself as a first-team regular, has now netted 12 times in 52 appearances, including 17 as a substitute.

Elliott has also earned a reputation as a big crowd favourite and former manager Mel Machin, who signed him from Bashley, likened him to demon dribbler Sir Stanley Matthews earlier this season.

Out of contract in the summer, Elliott is on the verge of signing a new deal with Cherries in the near future and is expected to complete his degree studies at a local university.

He added: "I think it would be prudent to finish my degree, but I don't think I will ever find a better job than being a professional footballer.

"I don't think the contract is too far away and hopefully everything will be sorted out quite soon. I'm keen to stay here and I just hope the club are keen to have me."

Elliott was also voted player of the year by the Dean Court Football Supporters' and Social Club, ahead of runner-up Richard Hughes and Tindall, who was third.