Thomas and Tomlinson pick up supporters’ accolades

Left back Lee Thomas collected the Supporters’ Player of the Season and teammate Mitchell Tomlinson the Young Player of the Season as Hinckley AFC’s players celebrated their end of season presentation evening on Saturday.
Thomas, who only joined AFC from Southam United in November, was voted Player of the Season after quickly becoming an integral part of the defence, and has made 27 appearances in all competitions.
He said: “I’m shocked to get the award. There are a few players who have been here since the beginning of the season so I’m quite chuffed to get the award. I think I’ve put my heart and soul into everything football-wise and to the club.”
The 24 year-old has produced an impressive campaign at left back and is already looking forward to the team progressing next season.
“I think we’ve done really well. As Abbo (Carl Abbott) said, with injuries and availability on certain players we’ve done quite well fighting for that fourth position and next year we go again to challenge for the league and a few cups.”
Fellow defender Tomlinson, 19, received the Young Player of the Season as voted for by the fans. The versatile defender has recently moved into a central role, a position he is familiar with from a young age, after spending the majority of the campaign at right back and earned the fans recognition as he also chipped in with two league goals.
Tomlinson was quick to praise Ryan Paddock for his influence in their newly formed centre-back partnership.
“Playing with people like Ryan Paddock has really helped me with his experience. He talks to you during the game and helps you through, and it’s good to play with him.
“It’s really important, being a young player in a squad with experience, that you try and learn from them, put in the best performances you can and enjoy every minute you play, so this season has been great and the fans have been brilliant.”
Elsewhere Darious Darkin was voted by his peers for the Players’ Player of the Year award, after impressing in the middle of the park with some strong performances.
Carl Abbott picked winger Sean Williams as his Manager’s Player of the Year, with the wide man contributing ten goals in 36 appearances as he was also recognised by supporters, finishing runner up to Thomas.
Off the pitch, the Clubman of the Year award went to Richard Pyatt, while Liam and Jamie Measom won the brand new DPD Community Award.
A great number were present at the event in the Starlight Suite and the Club would like to thank everyone who attended.