Last night Graham Alexander was awarded the PFA Merit award, and as a Burnley fan I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the accolade.

During his four years at Turf Moor he was the definition of a true professional and despite joining from rivals Preston North End, there was never a sense that he had to win over the crowd.

His performances for North End and the way he had carried himself throughout his career had already earned him the respect of the fans, and he played in every game in his first season at the club.

The next season was arguably the finest of Alexander’s career. At the age of 37, he featured in every single one of our 61 league and cup games in a remarkable campaign. By this time, manager Owen Coyle had recognised that an ageing Alexander was less suited to the right back role and so he was utilised as the holding player in the five man midfield that proved so successful that season.

Alexander’s reading of the game meant he was the perfect foil for the likes of Wade Elliott, Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles and his presence in front of the back four allowed the more creative players to express themselves.

Alexander chipped in with more than his fair share of goals, though, finishing as the club’s joint second highest scorer that season with 11. All but one of those, a beautiful curling free kick against Nottingham Forest, were from the penalty spot.

An Alexander penalty kick was something to behold. After placing the ball, he would retreat to the edge of the area, take a deep breath and puff out his cheeks. He would approach the ball with a gun barrel straight run up and seemingly use the toe-end of his right boot to strike the ball. The mystery for me was how, using this technique, he was able to send the ball high and into either corner.

I have tried this many a time in training and can almost never send the ball where I want it to go. Alexander must have practiced for hours on end to perfect the art, and he had it down to such a tee that it was impossible for goalkeepers to read which way he was going to go.

Burnley fans will always be indebted to Alexander for his two penalties against Bristol City that helped to secure our play off berth at the end of that season, as well as the only goal in the first leg of the semi final against Reading which gave us a crucial lead to take to the Madejski Stadium.

But Alexander was more to the club than just a prolific penalty taker. His experience was invaluable to the squad, and you just hope that some of the young players around him took note of how he conducted himself on and off the field. You do not have a career spanning more than 20 years in the professional game without looking after yourself, and Alexander is a shining example of that. Although he returned to North End at the start of this season, he will always have a place in the history of this football club and he exists as the template from which all young professionals can learn.

I’m sure I speak for fans of all his clubs when I say congratulations Grezza; you deserve it. A talented footballer and a true professional.

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