TUNCAY spoke with affection about the Boro fans who voted him their Player of the Year as he received his Supporters Club award in a packed Legends Lounge on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old told of his strong bond with the supporters as he received his award, while Adam Johnson received the Young Player of the Year trophy and David Wheater held on to the Community Player of the Year prize for a second successive year.

After receiving his award from Boro fans Ali Kidner and Ron Ramsey, a smiling Tuncay said: "I know the fans love me and I love them dearly. It is important that the supporters like me. I love to be loved!

"I have always tried to be the best player that I can be and to make them as happy as much as possible, even though that has not been easy this season."

In a speech to the fans in attendance, manager Gareth Southgate added: "Tuncay is a player we have all enjoyed working with. First and foremost, he is a great human being. He is enthusiastic and he is always first to hold his hand up and apologise to team-mates if he misses a goalscoring chance.

"Last summer's European Championships started to catch up with him in mid-season but he found extra energy during these last three months when we needed him to produce."

Johnson, 21, received his award from supporters Yvonne Craig and Val Smithson, before telling fans: "I'm ecstatic to win, though it would obviously be far better if we weren't in this league position. I've seen some very good players win this trophy in the past so I'm delighted.

"A big thank you to my family, my team-mates and, of course, to the supporters who have been fantastic for the last few months. No doubt they'll turn up in force and give us great support against Aston Villa too. What more can you ask for as a player?"

Southgate said of Johnson: "I know Adam has been frustrated not to start more games but, like many of our young players, he is well ahead of where someone of his age should expect to be in his development. We firmly believe he can go on to be a great talent."

David Wheater successfully defended his title as Boro's Community Player of the Year by making more appearances in the local community than any other player for a second successive season.

The defender received an award named in memory of John Ovington, a former Supporters Club chairman and devoted fan who was immensely proud of the work the club carries out in the community.

Wheater, who received his award from John's son Paul, said: "It's nice to be able to bring a smile to the faces of children or people who are less privileged than we are. I remember meeting Boro star when I was a young lad and I know what it meant to me, so I know it makes a real difference."

SUPPORTERS CLUB PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

1996-97 Juninho
1997-98 Gianluca Festa
1998-99 Hamilton Ricard and Robbie Mustoe
1999-2000 Paul Ince
2000-01 Alen Boksic
2001-02 Gareth Southgate
2002-03 Jonathan Greening
2003-04 George Boateng
2004-05 Bolo Zenden
2005-06 Yakubu
2006-07 Emanuel Pogatetz
2007-08 Stewart Downing
2008-09 Tuncay Sanli

SUPPORTERS CLUB YOUNG PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

2003-04 Stewart Downing
2004-05 Tony McMahon
2005-06 Lee Cattermole
2006-07 Andrew Taylor
2007-08 David Wheater
2008-09 Adam Johnson

Click here to read about Boro's record-breaking community visits.