Clayton Failla yesterday crowned a memorable season by being named MFA footballer of the year for 2008-09.

The race for the coveted prize was wide open this year as Failla obtained 39 points in last week's poll, just four ahead of former Hibs team-mates Andrew Cohen and Terrence Scerri and Sliema Wanderers' Alex Muscat who were all tied on 35 points.

After the first vote, which involved club officials and a selection of football journalists, the tally of each of the five finalists was revised through the application of a complex formula that takes into account the players' disciplinary record and international appearances, where applicable.

Failla's four-point advantage from last week's ballot proved crucial as he eventually claimed top spot in the final classification by a slim margin.

In light of Hibs' amazing title triumph, many tipped their leading players to vie for the top individual accolade in Maltese football. Failla had long been bracketed among the front-runners for the MFA award after playing a prominent role in Hibs' title success.

The 23-year-old has had an outstanding season as his hat-trick of BOV player of the month prizes clearly demonstrates. His towering impact for Hibs also earned him his first call-up to the senior national squad for the friendly against Iceland last November.

News that Failla, who is also a contender for The Times best player award, has added the MFA honour to his growing list of titles, comes only two days after the speedy winger joined Sliema Wanderers on a five-year deal.

"I've always dreamt of being named MFA footballer of the year," an elated Failla told The Times.

"My desire to achieve the double goal of winning the league and the MFA award increased after I joined Hibs from St Patrick four years ago but I never imagined that I would capture both in the same season."

Failla's optimism about landing the MFA prize must have risen after his success in the 2009 Melita Malta Football Awards where the former St Patrick livewire was voted best Maltese player and best midfielder.

"The MFA player of the year award is considered to be the most prestigious and I'm so delighted to have won it," Failla said. "I've had a great season and this really is the icing on the cake.

"I don't think I'd have enjoyed this success without the help of my team-mates at Hibs last season. Football is a team sport.

"A special mention goes to Mark Miller, the Hibs coach. I also owe this accolade to him because he believed in me from day one and that helped to boost my confidence."

Failla acknowledged that he now faces an even bigger challenge to uphold his reputation as a top player in Malta but he's prepared to work hard to maintain the consistency he reached last season.

"My achievements in the last 12 months will inevitably raise people's expectations," Failla said. "Staying on top is not easy but I'm prepared to continue to work hard. I will not get carried away by all the good things that have been said about me.

"In this respect, I think my move to Sliema Wanderers will stand me in good stead as it will mark a new chapter in my career."

Failla, who succeeds Marsaxlokk midfielder Kevin Sammut as MFA player of the year, dedicated his success to the Hibs clan, his family and girlfriend.

"I dedicate this award to Tony Bezzina, the president of Hibs, the club committee, the Hibs coach and players, my family and Noella, my girlfriend."

Results

Footballer of the Year: 1. C. Failla (Hibs) 47.10; 2. A. Muscat (Sliema) 44.58; 3. T. Scerri (Hibs) 44.10; A. Cohen (Hibs) 40.01; 5. A. Curmi (Tarxien) 29.22.

Division One: 1. J. Farrugia (Dingli) 46.54; 2. M. Deanov (Pietà) 42.12; 3. A. Eviparker (Vittoriosa) 40.57.

Division Two: 1. G. Saliba (Żebbuġ) 44.01; 2. D. Fenech (Mellieħa) 40.78; 3. N. Chetcuti (St Andrews) 39.42.

Division Three: 1. A. Buhagiar (Mdina) 47.25; 2. D. Said (Fgura) 40.80; 3. F. Azzopardi (Sta Lucija) 40.33.

Best youth player: M. Ciantar (Sliema) 51.39.

Best woman player: D. Theuma (Mosta) 49.13.

Last 10 winners

2000 - E. Barry (Sliema)
2001 - G. Agius (Valletta)
2002 - A. Mifsud (Hibs)
2003 - N. Turner (Sliema)
2004 - S. Giglio (Sliema)
2005 - A. Cohen (Hibs)
2006 - A. Cohen (Hibs)
2007 - G. Agius (Valletta)
2008 - K. Sammut (M'xlokk)
2009 - C. Failla (Hibs)