Matty on Apprentice of Year shortlist

ROCHDALE AFC’s Matty Gillam has been shortlisted for the LFE League One Apprentice of the Year award at the 2017 EFL awards.

Scunthorpe United’s Lewis Butroid and Callum Cockerill-Mollett from Walsall have also been nominated. The winner will be announced at the annual EFL awards, on Sunday 9th April in London.

Gillam, pictured above, has impressed for Dale’s Youth Team this season, netting 19 goals so far.

The 18-year-old second year scholar trains regularly with the first team and has made one appearance for Keith Hill’s side this term, with his debut coming away at Hartlepool in the Checkatrade Trophy. It was a memorable game for the teenager, who scored in the 2-1 win. He has also been named on the bench on three occasions.

Keith Hill said: “It’s great to see one of our players getting that type of recognition. Gilly has had a good season and he’s integrating with the first team. He should get an enormous amount of credit for being a stand out player for us, and he deserves the nomination. He’s had a marvellous season for the youth team and he hasn’t looked out of place in the first team squad.

“To be nominated for this award is justified because of what we’re doing at the football club.”

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “It’s been an exciting and action-packed 12 months for the EFL both on and off the pitch. There have been some incredible individual and team performances across the three divisions, entertaining the millions of fans who follow the EFL week in, week out.

“The EFL Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the achievements of clubs, players, back room staff and fans and I would like to personally congratulate everyone who has been nominated.”