Aldridge said: “Jamie has matured into a world class central defender and deserves every accolade thrown his way. When his chance arrived nine years ago, he took it with both hands and has never let go.
“Though he has has played in an era when the game has dramatically changed, Jamie has been one of the game’s old hands, very much in the mould of players like Billy Liddell and Tommy Smith. It’s something, as well as his fantastic ability, that has helped keep him at the top of his profession.
“He may have enjoyed some fantastic successes on the pitch but he has never forgotten where he has come from. And it is so refreshing that people like him still exist.”
