van Persie wins fans’ vote

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been voted the PFA’s fans’ player of the year for 2011-12.

It is the third award won by the Holland international for his prolific form last season, having already landed the PFA players’ and writers’ awards.

Van Persie scored 37 goals in 48 appearances for Arsenal and is now recognised as one of Europe’s top players.

“Robin had an exceptional season and has established himself in the mould of previous top quality Dutch strikers like Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Marco Van Basten,” said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.

Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez, who signed for Southampton last week, scooped the npower Football League Championship award following his 21 goal-haul last season. Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo won the League One award while Lewis Grabban, the Rotherham United forward, was recognised in League Two.