IN what seems to be a season of landmarks for so many individuals, two fantastic professional football- ers and two fantastic men – men who have amassed many mile- stones during their careers – have been in the news the last few days.

Jamie Carragher, as always, has behaved in an intelligent, honest and reasonable manner in ann- ouncing his imminent retirement.

He does so in a week in which a similarly impressive character reaches his latest milestone – a 300th appearance for Everton FC.

Who’d have thought when Phil Neville made the courageous move down the East Lancs Road that it would be so enduring? When you have players who have spent 10 years at Old Trafford, winning medals galore, any move is likely to be seen as stepping down a level.

But Neville recognised the history of the football club, saw the potential of David Moyes and the squad, and that faith has been rewarded with a fantastic twilight to his career. He has earned it.

Many fans might have been sceptical about the move at the time, but he has surely won over all but the most cynical.

I wonder if he could have imagined things turning out as well a they have? Three hundred matches and respect from all but the most hardened bigots. The only thing missing is a medal.

Maybe this is the year . . .