Defender nominated for Player of the Month prize...
SADDLERS’ defender, James O’Connor, has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for April following a string of impressive performances in the heart of our back-line.
Here is the final short-list of four:
Jermaine Beckford (Preston North End) – striker
Admitted that he is enjoying his football again, to which five important goals in the month will testify. Has formed an irrepressible partnership with Joe Garner and is demonstrating his finishing prowess under pressure once more.
Ben Gladwin (Swindon Town) – midfielder
The 22-year-old came into his own in April with six of Swindon’s nine goals, including a first career hat-trick in the 4-2 win at Rochdale. Tall, powerful and happy to pick a pass with either foot, he was used both centrally and wide.
Will Grigg (MK Dons) – striker
Has become the indispensable link of MK Don’s forward thrust, using his intelligence and movement to bring teammates into play. Scored six goals in seven games with a lovely finish in the 3-0 win at Fleetwood Town the highlight.
James O’Connor (Walsall) - central defender
Walsall were tumbling down the table when he returned to bring about a change of fortune with his steadying influence and experienced reading of the game. His calmness contributed to five clean sheets in seven unbeaten April games.
The winner will be announced on Friday.
The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert and former Saddler, Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.
Sky Bet are the Title Sponsor of The Football League. This season, a £250,000 Sky Bet Transfer Fund will go to a Football League club to spend on players in the 2015 summer transfer window.
Fans who bet with Sky Bet generate Transfer Fund Tokens and go into a random draw to win a £5,000 prize – and the £250,000 Sky Bet Transfer Fund for their Football League club.
To sign up, go to www.skybet.com/transferfund and select Walsall FC.