Smolarek voted Poland's best again

Real Racing Club Santander striker Euzebiusz Smolarek has become the first man to be voted Polish player of the year three times after a third consecutive victory in the poll organised by Piłka Nożna magazine.

EURO heroics
The 27-year-old forward was in imperious form as Poland qualified for their first UEFA European Championship final tournament, scoring nine goals in the group including six in this calendar year. By holding off the challenge of Jacek Krzynówek, Artur Boruc, Jakub Błaszczykowski and Michał Żewłakow, Smolarek overtook his father Włodzimierz, who won the award in 1984 and 1986.

Further awards
Among the other prizes, Poland coach Leo Beenhakker was voted person of the year while the national squad was team of the year. Maciej Skorża was named coach of the year following Wisła Kraków's spectacular unbeaten start to the season, and his winger Marek Zieńczuk was voted the league player of the year. Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski midfielder Radosław Majewski was named revelation of the year while Legia Warszawa playmaker Roger was voted the best foreigner in the Ekstraklasa. Zagłębie Lubin's Robert Pietryszyn was voted club president of the year while Legia coach Jan Urban claimed the comeback of year award.