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It was ‘Fergie Time’ for the final time at the North West Football awards last night as Sir Alex Ferguson scooped two top honours.

The former United boss was named Premier League manager of the year for guiding the Reds to a record extending 20th top-flight league title. And he was also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, following on from Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.

The 71-year-old Scot spent 27 years as manager at Old Trafford, guiding the club to 13 Premier League titles.

“Thank you for giving me this award,” he told more than 500 guests at Lancashire Cricket Club’s Point Conference Centre. “It’s special as I am following a great man in Dave Whelan.

“I hope I have justified the award because it is special to me. This will be the last football award I will ever get so I really do appreciate it.

However, there was disappointment for both Manchester clubs as Jamie Carragher, like Ferguson enjoying his retirement, collected the Premier League Player of the Year for his efforts with Liverpool last season.

United’s England midfielder Michael Carrick and City defender Pablo Zabaleta had been in the running for the trophy that was voted for by the fans. Reported Old Trafford target, Leighton Baines, was also on the short list. Bolton midfielder Jay Spearing won Championship player of the year.

Wanderers were also recognised for their off-field efforts and won Community Initiative of the Year. Following the collapse of Fabrice Muamba at White Hart Lane in 2012, Bolton created a health scheme to provide club trainees with the knowledge and skill to help potentially save lives in the event of a similar tragedy.

Muamba now has an award named in his honour and the 2013 ‘Medical and Sports Science Professional’ prize went to United physiotherapist, Rob Swire.

Joining the award winners is a family whose name is synonymous with sport in the North West – the Nevilles. Brothers Phil and Gary spent their playing career with United and then in Phil’s case, at Everton.

Phil is now on United’s coaching staff; Gary combines his role as successful TV pundit with his job on the England coaching staff.

Mum Jill has also given sterling service to the game, company secretary at Bury for more than 20 years and who, in 2012, was granted the freedom of Bury for her service.

M.E.N. Sport’s Stuart Mathieson was nominated for ‘Journalist of the Year’ which went to the Telegraph’s Mark Ogden.

NORTHWEST FOOTBALL AWARDS 2013:

Community Initiative of the Year: Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, Everton in the Community-Safe Hands

Community Club of the Year: Everton in the Community; Highly Commended: Morecambe FC

CSR Campaign of the Year: ­Liverpool FC

Contribution to Sport in the North West: The Neville family

Best Club Marketing Campaign: ­Everton FC

Best Club Sponsorship Engagement/Partnership: ­Liverpool FC

Business Services to Football: ­Rippleffect

Professional Services to Football: Brabners LLP; Highly Commended: Mills & Reeve

Football Journalist of the Year: Mark Ogden (Telegraph)

The Fabrice Muamba Award for Medical & Sports Science Professional: Rob Swire (Manchester United Head Physio)

Rising Star of the Year: Jerome S­inclair (Liverpool FC)

Manager of the Year: Sir Alex ­Ferguson

Women’s Player of the Year: Toni Duggan (Everton Ladies)

Player of the Year (Conference): George Horan (Chester FC)

Player of the Year ( LeagueTwo): Jack Redshaw (Morecambe)

Player of the Year (League One): John Welsh (Preston North End)

Player of the Year (Championship): Jay Spearing (Bolton Wanderers)

Player of the Year (Premier League): Jamie Carragher (Liverpool FC)

Goal of the Year: Robin van Persie (United v A Villa)

Unsung Hero: Barrie Hipkiss (Chester FC)

Lifetime Contribution Award: Sir Alex Ferguson