The defender receives the award following her superb performances in the league against Birmingham and Manchester United last month.

Our vice-captain showcased her attacking ability when she hit the target in our 6-0 thumping over Birmingham. The 26-year-old got her name on the scoresheet for the first time this season when she charged forward from defence to meet Guro Reiten’s through-ball to steer beyond the advancing goalkeeper.

Bright also assisted the Blues’ current top scorer, Bethany England, in that game when she delivered a delightful pin-point pass from defence for the forward to bury home with ease.

She played a pivotal part in Chelsea’s first ever victory against Manchester United ensuring we kept a clean sheet with her well-timed challenges and strong aerial clearances but the stand-out moment was when she made a brilliant goal-line block in the dying moments of the clash to secure a 1-0 win and maximum points.

Upon earning the award, Bright said: ‘It’s a big honour, I’m really proud and with all the names that were also in the draw, I really didn’t expect it.

‘It’s for the club, I never take it as individual, the way I have been playing is because of my team-mates and the coaching. The award is definitely for the girls and the staff that allow us to play the way we do, so thank you to them.’

The Blues travel to Liverpool to play our final Barclays Women's Super League fixture of the year tomorrow. After the Christmas period, we return to league action against Reading on Sunday 5 January, a match which kicks off at 12.30pm. Celebrate the New Year with us and get your tickets now!

Tickets can be purchased here