Ward said: "I probably wasn't expecting Tom Lockyer to start over 30 games for us (who has featured in 33 of Rovers 37 games this season) in what is his first full season as a professional." "I knew he would be involved because he did well for me when we were short of numbers when I first arrived here and I think that little period was the making of him." "Some guys struggle when they are thrown in at the deep end, while others quickly grow into it. I look at Tom now I don't see an 18-year-old boy, I see him more than holding his own alongside the senior members of the squad." "Tom is something of a rarity in that he has shown the required strength to come in and play a lot of games at an age where it should be a struggle for him. He has been moved around and played in a number of different positions, but has filled those roles more than adequately." "If I need to pick him for the next 15 or 16 games it wouldn't worry me at all because he is a very strong and professional young man. He has been a real bonus for the club this season and I think there is a real future for the kid." Take from the Post.
Personally I think Tom has really benefitted from the bad injuries that we have had at the club. No way would he have played half the games that he has if it wasnt for the injuries to other players. He has had the odd bad game which is to be expected but not often does he put a foot wrong. He doesnt get silly bookings or give away daft penalties / free kicks. I think he has had a very good season especially most games he has been played out of position. He is a CB but has been played RW, LB and CM this season and have played well in these positions. I think he deserves the young player of the season for us.
Agreed CJS, Tom has had a very good season. As for Young player of the year, he probably just deserves it ahead of Clarke.
Clarke is a good shout too and I think he deserve a new contract as he is out of contract in the summer. Who do you think will get player of the season? For me its either Smith or Brown. Both been quality at full back and both been dangerous going forward. I believe Brown is way ahead of any other player for us leading the assists stats.
