Rickie Lambert is the red hot favourite to scoop the prestigious Daily Echo Player of the Season award for the second time.

The Saints talisman has enjoyed another fantastic campaign, breaking the 30 goal barrier once again in what has been another season of success at St Mary’s.

Lambert heads the list of nominees for the famous old trophy, which has always been decided by the fans, with voting opening today.

If Lambert were to win the award this season, which he also scooped in his first campaign with the club in 2009/10, he would become only the fifth man to win it more than once since it was introduced in 1976/77.

Lambert’s name could join those of Peter Shilton, Tim Flowers and James Beattie in the double winning category.

He would close in on Matt Le Tissier, who was voted the club’s top dog on three occasions.

Though he is overwhelming favourite to win the award, Lambert does still face some competition after a wonderful season for Saints, which could end with promotion to the Premier League, having not just been built on the success of one player.

From back to front there have been significant contributors.

And, of those who met the qualifying cut off this year of 25 or more first team appearances, there are some consistent performers.

Kelvin Davis, winner of the award in 2008/09, has been an ever reliable figure in the Saints goal, not overly worked for the most part but producing saves whenever called upon, most notably against Leeds last month when he put in what is generally accepted to be one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in the club’s history.

Adam Leitch's Top 3

1 Rickie Lambert
2 Frazer Richardson
3 Kelvin Davis

In defence, Jos Hooiveld has been a rock since his signing from Celtic alongside Jose Fonte, who won the award last season.

Both full backs have also excelled.

Frazer Richardson has established himself and been a prolific provider of goals going forward, while Danny Fox has had an ultra-consistent second half to the campaign and shown great delivery from set pieces.

In midfield, Jack Cork is the only Saints player to have figured in every league game while he has been supported by Dean Hammond and Morgan Schneiderlin.

As for an attacking threat aside from Lambert, there has been another good season for Adam Lallana.

So it’s time for you to have your say, as you have for the past 35 years.

It’s up to you to decide whose name deserves to go down forever more alongside some of the greatest players in the club’s history.

For details on how to cast your vote, pick up a copy of today's Daily Echo