Matt Upson has been named Albion’s player of the season.

He topped the fans’ poll, continuing the recent domination by central defenders of the coveted prize.

Upson is the seventh to land the award in the last 12 seasons. He joins a roll of honour which also includes Danny Cullip, Guy Butters, Adam Virgo, Paul McShane, Tommy Elphick and Adam El-Abd.

Upson, 35 earlier this month, has been a model of consistency throughout the campaign.

His absence from last Friday’s win against Yeovil at the Amex with an ankle tendon injury was only the third Championship match he has missed all season.

The former England international has forged a dependable partnership with captain Gordon Greer since arriving from Stoke, initially on loan at the end of the January 2013 transfer window and then permanently last summer on a one-year contract after the Potters released him.

Upson, who also played in the Premier League for Arsenal, Birmingham and West Ham, is likely to be offered another one-year deal to keep him at the Amex.

Greer said: "He’s a fantastic player and I’m really enjoying playing beside him. He’s been great for us. He brings a lot of experience to the team and the experienced players try to take the pressure off the younger players.”

Upson also topped an Argus website poll with 57% of the votes, well ahead of on-loan Wolves left-back Stephen Ward and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

He was presented with his prize at Albion’s players’ awards dinner at the Amex last night.