Supporters’ Young Player of the Year

One notable aspect of this inaugural season has been the generally youthful make-up of the AFC squad put together by Carl Abbott and his backroom team during the season.

It has been those young players, coupled with some greatly experienced players that has seen the squad become THE form team in the Midland League since October 2014.

The four shortlisted players in the Supporters’ Young Player of the Year category have all made big contributions to the record-setting 26 game unbeaten run as part of the last line of defence in AFC’s charge up the table, each playing growing in stature during the season.

Who gets your vote as Hinckley AFC’s first ever Supporters’ Young Player of the Year? We take a look at the quartet shortlisted for the prestigious award, voted for by YOU!

Sam Arnold (Goalkeeper): The oldest of our shortlisted candidates at 21, Arnold has often come to the rescue with a host of fine displays as current holder of the Number One jersey. A talented shot stopper, Sam became the first AFC player to make twenty appearances and also very nearly added his name to the list of goalscorers in the much heralded ‘Battle of Bolehall’!

Arnold’s athleticism has seen him make a number of match winning saves: remember his unbelievable stop to prevent Jake Brown at Nuneaton Griff? That’s not to mention keeping a clean sheet in AFC’s opening league game at Southam United.

Arnold has risen to the challenge of Jack Hartopp’s mid-season arrival to retain the shirt, making 33 appearances for the club to date.

Alex Morris (Defender): A member of the colossal Hinckley AFC ‘Twin Towers’ along with regular central defensive partner Dom Smith, ‘Mozza’ has been an integral member of the AFC backline in recent months.

Whether attacks have come aerially or on the floor, the 20-year old has proven to be equal to almost all of the challenges thrown at him to date since his singing in September 2014.

As well as his obvious presence at the back, Morris has proven to be exceptionally comfortable on the ball, setting the tone of play on many occasions.

It is no coincidence that the AFC backline has looked an intimidating proposition for opposing strikers since the ‘Twin Towers’ formed their formidable partnership! Morris has made 25 appearances and scored two goals to date.

Isaac Cooper (Defender): Despite still only being nineteen Cooper has become a regular on the AFC teamsheet, making the left back spot his own with a succession of composed performances; a testament to his application in games and performance levels that have rarely dipped.

A fullback with the ability to get up and down the pitch when required, Cooper has often contributed to the attack, offering great delivery from wide areas and a long throw that has caused havoc amongst almost all of the defences within the division!

Cooper has made 32 appearances and scored one goal to date.

Mitchell Tomlinson (Defender): The youngest of our four nominees, eighteen-year old Mitchell Tomlinson has been one of the genuine success stories of the season. From his debut in the FA Vase defeat at Tipton, Mitch has grown in stature and confidence with every passing game.

A composed and hard working defender, Tomlinson has linked up superbly with whoever has played on the right, getting forward, providing great supply into the box for AFC’s forwards.

Despite Manager Carl Abbott seeing his long term future at centre half, Tomlinson’s performances have certainly deserved the adulation of supporters, much like his young defensive teammates. Tomlinson has made 26 appearances to date.

It has been a great season for each of our four nominees, but who gets your vote? Physical voting will commence at our away fixture against Studley and then at the final home match against Southam United on May 2. Look out for Simon Blyth or a member of the Working Group at either of these fixtures to find out how you can cast your vote!

The winner will be announced at our End of Season Awards evening at Gadsby’s on Saturday 2nd May, tickets available now priced just £5!

All profits raised from this event and ALL HAFC events go towards developing YOUR club and building on a great first season!

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