Pardew, Kompany win top awards

Pardew has been rewarded for his part in taking the Magpies from finishing in mid-table last season to now being serious contenders for a place in next term's Champions League.

Going into Sunday's final round of fixtures for the 2011-12 campaign, Newcastle are still able to finish third if they beat Everton and Goodison Park and results in Arsneal and Tottenham's games go their way.

Either way, they are certain if finishing at least fifth on only their second season back in the top flight following relegation in 2009, the club's highest league finish in eight years.

Signings such as midfielder Yohan Cabaye and striker Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse have been the envy of many other managers in the league, especially considering the low fees he paid for most of his additions this season.

Belgium international Kompany picked up the award for the season's best player after missing out on a place on the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year prize last month.

While three of his City team-mates – Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart and David Silva – did make that list, the award went to Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, as did the Football Writers' Association award the following week.

However, Kompany's continued excellence at the heart of the City defence has won him the Barclays individual award as he prepares to lead his side out for a title-deciding clash against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Kompany scored the only goal of the game in the recent Manchester derby, claiming a win which now means City will champions for the first time in 44 years if they beat QPR on Sunday and Manchester United do not beat Sunderland by a hatful.