YORK City boss Terry Dolan has pipped the likes of Sir Bobby Robson and Steve McClaren to a major footballing accolade.

The City chief won the Prince's Trust Trophy at a glittering north-east football awards ceremony hosted by Tyne-Tees Television in Gateshead last night.

Dolan, 52, received the special achievement award in recognition of his efforts in steering the Minstermen to the verge of the Division Three play-offs despite the club teetering on the brink of extinction.

He was presented with the trophy, won by Niall Quinn last season after the former Sunderland striker donated his testimonial proceeds to charity, by Middlesbrough and England defender Gareth Southgate

Alan Shearer was named the north-east's footballer of the year while Hartlepool's Ritchie Humphreys was named the Nationwide League player of the year but it was Dolan who picked up arguably the top honour.

"It was a complete shock," said a delighted Dolan, who had no idea he was to receive the prize.

Shearer also picked up the goal of the season award for his volley against Everton and just pipped City's Darren Edmondson to the prize.

Edmondson's stunning 35-yard match winning strike at Bristol Rovers in March came third.

A fingertip save from Michael Ingham in City's televised 0-0 draw with Hartlepool was also short-listed in the best save of the season category.

Updated: 11:32 Wednesday, May 07, 2003