County’s Mr versatile is honoured for his efforts
THEY say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but Newport County’s Matty Dolan has disproved that theory on a number of counts this season.
Firstly, he found himself playing in the middle of a back three for the first time, instead of a more central role in the Exiles midfield, and took to it like a duck to water. Dropping deeper also hasn’t stopped him from rivalling the strikers on the goal front either.
His consistency over 41 games in all competitions this season has made him an outstanding candidate for player of the year, although it is promotion that he is really after. The home clash with Cambridge United on Saturday will play a big part in determining whether or not County can stay on track on that front.
But the 28-year-old (pictured) had something to celebrate this week when he was named Sky Bet League Two’s PFA Player in the Community at the 2021 EFL Awards. The award recognises the positive impact players can have off the pitch and is given to those that go above and beyond what would normally be expected.
We are back to old dogs and new tricks, with Dolan being rewarded along with two other divisional winners across the EFL for his exceptional attitude to County in the Community initiatives over the last 12 months. Years ago there would have been little player involvement in initiatives like this.
Dolan attended a number of events and school visits to deliver equipment to local pupils at the start of 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic hit in March. Despite being in lockdown, he continued to support the community projects virtually and has been present at the ‘We Wear the Same Shirt’ sessions which have been held over Zoom.
He also took part in quizzes and engaged in Q&A sessions with those present on the calls. The fans loved him all the more for it and it was his way of giving something back to those people who haven’t been able to watch County live this season
“It’s fantastic work that Norman Parselle and everyone else does in the community. If I can help just a tiny bit then it’s my pleasure because it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed,” said Dolan.
“I’ve been the ambassador for the ‘We Wear the Same Shirt’ initiative for the last two years and it brings a lot of joy to us as players. I normally go down on a Thursday to watch the guys train and sometimes get involved as well.
“But with the way the world is at the moment, we’ve been on the Zoom calls and they’ve been fantastic. Once we get back to normal I’ll be back down there and hopefully Zoom calls will be a thing of the past.”
Dolan is due to receive his award at a special virtual EFL Community Awards event on Wednesday, 28 April. The overall winner of the award will be announced at the EFL Awards, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football on Thursday, 29 April at 7:30pm.
Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks was named PFA Player in the Community for the Sky Bet Championship, while Bristol Rovers winger Alex Rodman scooped the Sky Bet League One accolade.