Players of the year: Gary McSheffrey

Finally given his head as one of the club’s most important players, McSheffrey responded with a superbly consistent season, making 48 appearances and topping the scoring charts with 17 goals.

Playing mainly in an attacking left-sided role, the 23-year-old showed a new-found maturity to his game with his displays in that position and in the way he was able to swap sides and roles during a match and continue to have an impact.

Once Stern John had started to partner Dele Adebola up front, the duo made plenty of space for McSheffrey to exploit.

His goal against Leeds at the Ricoh summed that up when Macca drifted almost unnoticed into the box to take advantage with a cool finish.

Reading and Everton have been credited with an interest in the player but after nearly leaving the club in previous seasons when not given a chance to show his skills, McSheffrey looks determined to take City into the top-flight.