Just like the hot-dog stand at every soccer match, the queues are forming to take a swipe at Ryan Giggs.

PFA , Player of the Year? For what? Sitting on the subs’ bench or being faithful to Sir Alex Ferguson for two decades?

Miaow. How the claws come out when a decision doesn’t go your way. Or is it because Gigsy plays for Manchester United?

“Never in a million years should Ryan Giggs get the Player of the Year Award,” said one disgruntled fan. “He’s not even a regular in the first team.”

“Does anyone take these awards seriously?” asks another.

Well, yes, they do actually, as aptly demonstrated by all the fuss being made about the recipient. If no-one cared, there would be no need for comment, would there?

Just take a step back and look at the facts. Ryan Giggs has been one of Manchester United’s most faithful players and still has talent oozing from his boots. His pace is still remarkable for a man of 35 years of age with lots of mileage under his belt. He is every inch the team player and can still score a cracking goal. Who could ever forget that stunner at Wembley? He doesn’t moan or groan or bring the game into disrepute. He always conducts himself as a gentleman and is quiet and articulate during interviews. And, most importantly perhaps, he has an affinity with his manager that many other players would give their right arm for.

Giggs was only 13 years of age when he was first spotted by Sir Alex. The manager was apparently alerted by one of his soccer scouts to a promising young lad who played for Salford Boys. So the story goes, Sir Alex was so impressed when he saw the young Ryan on the field that he went straight round to his home and told his mother that he should sign on the line there and then. Great news for Manchester United but not so good for Manchester City who saw him snapped up from under their noses!

Since then, says Giggs, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson has been “brilliant” and that’s no mean achievement given the standards Sir Alex sets and how easy it is to fall out with him. Many a promising young player has fallen by the wayside, regardless of talent.

“The manager has been massive since I first met him when I was 13,” says Giggs.

“That was 20 years ago and he knows me better than anyone. Our relationship has been brilliant. It’s not worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager.”

The PFA’s Player of the Year Award not only means something, it means a lot. And for Giggs, it really is the icing on the cake. He has won several top accolades during his career and was name Young Player of the Year twice. He has also been nominated on several occasions for Player of the Year, stretching back 15 years, but this was his first success at the big one.

Giggs has notched up some 800 appearances for Manchester United and has played a part in 26 matches this season. Compare that to Frank Lampard’s 58, say some fans. Others believe the PFA should make the awards at the end of the season, with the ammunition to support them.

But this award, it must be remembered, is voted for by the players. And, quite simply, they wanted Giggs. It should be looked at as an award for his lifetime’s achievement, not just a season, and you could see the pride on his face as he picked up the shining trophy at the awards ceremony. This isn’t a time for back-biting or bitching. Giggs deserves the hand of congratulations, no matter what team you support. Not for one moment should any of the other nominated players question the decision. They should be proud to keep such distinguished company.

Who knows, it might not be the last time we see Giggs heading the list. When this season comes to a close, he still has a year on his contract and says he is as strong and as fit as ever. “I am enjoying the game more than ever,” he revealed during the ceremony.
The only cloud on the horizon is that Giggs chose to play for Wales rather than England. He could have had the choice of either, having a Welsh mother and an English father.

Anyway, if the PFA had their way, Ryan Giggs would be right up there with the best of them, Gerrard and Torres included. For as the icing on the cake, Giggs was included in the PFA’s dream team of the year, along with Young Player of the Year, Aston Villa winger, Ashley Young. And not a Wayne Rooney in sight. What does that tell us all about the right way to conduct yourself on and off the football pitch?