LIFE just gets better and better for Wales soccer manager Mark Hughes.

Just 48 hours after landing a £175,000 a year contract, he won the full admiration of the Welsh public.

He pipped Bassaleg-based Ryder Cup hero Phillip Price and Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning cyclist Nicole Cooke in the BBC Wales Sports Personality of 2002 stakes.

In the first year that the prestigious awards have been decided by the public, steering Wales from the doldrums to serious contenders on the world footballing stage was certainly a vote winner.

But the former Manchester United star was happy to share the limelight.

"I don't see this as an individual award as such," said Hughes at a glittering St David's Hall ceremony.

"It's more further recognition for the team and all the staff involved.

"It's all about working hard to together and that's what we've done."

Wales, having shot up from 100th to 52nd in the FIFA ranking, stand on the verge of qualifying for the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.

They're top of Group 9 after a year which began with hugely creditable friendly draws against Argentina and the Czech Republic before Robert Earnshaw's winner gave Hughes' men an unforgettable 1-0 victory over World Cup finalists Germany at the Millennium Stadium.

But there was better to come as Wales began their European campaign got underway with a fantastic 2-0 win over Finland in Helsinki.

But noone in their wildest dreams would have banked on a 2-1 victory over Italy - but that's exactly what happened back at the national stadium in October.

It was no wonder that Craig Bellamy's winner earned him the best sporting moment of the year as Wales swept the board last night.

Price, meanwhile, was voted third behind Cooke after his 2-1 victory over world No.2 Phil Mickelson helped Europe win the Ryder Cup at The Belfry.

Other Gwent sporting stars were nominated for the top award - were year's winner Joe Calzaghe.

The Newbridge star defended his WBO super-middleweight belt three times in 2002 with his 12-round victory over tough American Charles Brewer in April being the most memorable.

Cwmbran lightweight Jamie Arthur also earned recognition for becoming the first Welshman to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal since Howard Winstone in 1958 after his impressive performance in Manchester last summer.

Cwm's Mark Williams was the other nominee from Gwent after he bounced back to form by winning the UK Snooker Championship in final frame decider over Ken Doherty.

The Carwyn James Junior awards went to 19-year-old golfer Rhys Davies and 14-year-old Bridgend yachtswoman Hannah Mills .