WHO will follow in the footsteps of Saints’ greatest players by winning the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season Award?

Today, the Daily Echo launches the 43rd edition of the accolade, which is chosen by you, the fans, to pick the club’s best performer of the season.

The voting has now opened online, at dailyecho.co.uk, and will close next week on Thursday, 11 May 2017.

The likes of Mick Channon, Matthew Le Tissier, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Rickie Lambert have previously claimed the prize.

Last term, Shane Long was handed the award after one of the closest battles for the gong in years.

The striker’s impressive 13-goal return saw him beat off interest from Virgil van Dijk, who took the voting down to the wire after a superb debut season at Saints.

But following a frustrating campaign for Long, the Irishman doesn’t even make the shortlist this time around.

Van Dijk, however, does make it onto our shortlist after an outstanding campaign, before it was brought to a premature end with a foot ligament injury back in January, which is set to keep him out for the season.

Nonetheless, the Dutch centre-back made 30 appearances in all competitions and was even handed the captain’s armband after the departure of Jose Fonte to West Ham.

The 25-year-old scored four goals along the way and has developed into one of the finest central defenders on the planet, attracting interest from every big club going.

And he is joined by fellow defender Maya Yoshida as a contender for the Player of the Season.

The Japan international started the campaign as third-choice behind Van Dijk and Fonte, but has seen himself elevated to first pick in the second half of the campaign, with the former injured and the latter leaving.

Yoshida has performed admirably alongside rookie Jack Stephens and has turned his reputation of being mistake-prone around with several top displays.

The 28-year-old is joined by left-back Ryan Bertrand as a candidate for the award.

The England international has been superb again this season and has even added goals to his game, netting three in all competitions.

The former Chelsea man has seemingly grown further as a player too, with his attacking ability and defensive solidity a huge asset for Saints down the left.

Bertrand has company in another ex-Stamford Bridge man for the prize, with Oriol Romeu, arguably the favourite for this award, joining him on the shortlist.

The Spaniard had to be patient for his chance, but after the departure of Victor Wanyama last summer, the 25-year-old is now first choice in defensive midfield and is up there with the best in the Premier League in that role.

Romeu is strong and composed in the tackle, but also equally as adept at finding a pass or controlling the ball at his feet.

In a season of many ups and downs, the ex-Barcelona man has been a pillar of consistency and very much a shining light.

James Ward-Prowse has threatened to make a breakthrough at Saints for many seasons, but now it seems he is very much an established first team player.

The academy graduate has been posted out wide, just behind the striker, in the 4-2-3-1 formation and has produced some of his most mature performances there, which also led to an England debut back in March.

His versatility and deadball delivery has made him a great option in the attacking midfield areas, but he can also be stationed further back when called upon.

The 22-year-old, who is Saints’ longest-serving player, has scored four goals this term, his best tally of his career so far.

He’s also made four assists this season and makes the cut as a contender for this term's award.

Ward-Prowse is joined by another Three Lions new boy, with Nathan Redmond getting the nod as a candidate for the Player of the Season.

He started the season with the pressure of comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, as Saints boss Claude Puel attempted to convert him into a winger-cum-striker.

It proved difficult for the £10m signing from Norwich and it was clear his best position was out wide, where he can work his magic with darting runs and link-up play.

That is where he's been stationed for the second part of the season as Puel reinstated the successful 4-2-3-1 system.

Redmond is Saints’ joint top scorer in the Premier League with six goals to his name and also scored the vital winning goal in the EFL Cup final semi-final first leg, as Puel’s side defeated Liverpool 1-0 at St Mary’s.

He may not have played since early December, but Charlie Austin deserves recognition after scoring nine goals in 19 appearances before he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Europa League group stage game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The popular 27-year-old provided the jet fuel for Saints’ attack in the first few months of the season and still remains the club’s top-scorer overall and has the joint highest total in the league with Redmond (6).

For that reason Austin is granted a place on the shortlist for the award.

To cast your vote for the Player of the Season Award follow this link >>>

THE SHORTLIST

  • Virgil van Dijk
  • Maya Yoshida
  • Ryan Bertrand
  • Oriol Romeu
  • James Ward-Prowse
  • Nathan Redmond
  • Charlie Austin