The winners of the divisional EFL Award 2023 have been announced across the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two.
Sky Bet Championship
Player of the Season: Chuba Akpom (Middlesbrough)
The division’s top marksman with 28 league goals, Chuba Akpom, was named the Championship Player of the Season for firing Middlesbrough into promotion contention.
“I am super grateful,” Akpom said. “It has been years of hard work to get to this stage, so I am over the moon. It’s been an amazing season but I’ve had a lot of downs, getting injured earlier in the season. The new manager came in at the perfect time and he probably brought out the best in me, put me in the number 10 and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”
Young Player of the Season: Alex Scott (Bristol City)
Bristol City starlet Alex Scott added to his accolades with the Championship Young Player of the Season, establishing himself in Nigel Pearson’s side.
“I think I have had to grow up a lot,” he stated. “Everyone at the Club help to keep you grounded; my teammates are big on that aswell so I have a lot of people to thank. I owe a lot to the Club’ I have been there three years now coming over as a young 16 year old and now I’m playing every week in the Championship so I owe a lot to them and I am grateful for it.”
Apprentice of the Season: Ash Phillips (Blackburn Rovers)
An England Under-19s international, at 17-years-of-age Ash Phillips has featured in the Blackburn Rovers first-team, and has now been awarded the LFE Championship Apprentice of the Season.
“It has been a great season so far and it is a proud moment for my family,” he added. “I have played 40 times and I have enjoyed every moment of it.”
Sky Bet League One
Player of the Season: Aaron Collins (Bristol Rovers)
Aaron Collins’ 16 goals and 11 assists – the only player in the division to reach double figures in both categories – earned the Bristol Rovers forward the League One Player of the Season award.
“I know I’ve had a good season but I wasn’t really expecting this,” Collins admitted. “First season in League One and to be in double figures in goals and assists, I’ve just played my game and it’s been an enjoyable season so far. I had a point to prove and it was time to prove I waa good enough to go and play in League One after playing a lot of my career in League Two.”
Young Player of the Season: Bali Mumba (Plymouth Argyle)
On loan from Norwich City, Bali Mumba has shone this season for Plymouth Argyle, helping the Pilgrims to mount a promotion push as the League One Young Player of the Season.
“It’s been an amazing experience for me,” he said. “It’s still not done and we still have a little bit more to push but I just want to say a huge thank you to the gaffer, the staff, my team mates and Plymouth Argyle for the opportunity and platform to play and perform this season. I’m glad that I can pay them back by winning these awards and long may it continue.”
Apprentice of the Season: Zach Mitchell (Charlton Athletic)
Defender Zach Mitchell has made a handful of appearances for Charlton Athletic, in both the league and the Papa Johns Trophy, earning him the LFE League One Apprentice of the Season.
“When you think about past winners and what they have achieved you can only aspire to follow that type of trajectory,” he remarked. “It is an accolade that is a step in the right direction and I think more than anything I am extremely grateful for everyone who has helped me on my journey.”
Sky Bet League Two
Player of the Season: Sam Hoskins (Northampton Town)
Northampton Town’s Sam Hoskins was named the League Two Player of the Season, with his 21 goals aiding his Club’s battle for automatic promotion.
“Personally and collectively, it has been a good season,” Hoskins added. “It is nice to get this recognition but it says a lot about the Club as well; we have had a great season. To be nominated is a good accolade in itself but to get the award is brilliant. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but my managers and teammates have helped me massively and it shows.”
Young Player of the Season: Junior Tchamadeu (Colchester United)
After winning the LFE Apprentice of the Season last year, Colchester United’s Junior Tchamadeu has followed it up with the League Two Young Player of the Season.
“It’s a great feeling to win this award,” he noted. “It’s been a long season, I’ve played under three different managers, one which, Matt Bloomfield is here, and he has been a great help for me this season. I just want to kick on now and take it into next season. It’s all part of the learning curve, I’m just looking forward to what the future brings.”
Apprentice of the Season: Josh Tomlinson (Northampton Town)
After becoming Northampton Town’s youngest-ever goalscorer, since becoming the Cobblers’ youngest-ever player aged 15, Josh Tomlinson has been named the LFE League Two Apprentice of the Season.
“It’s hard to put into words,” he said. “I can’t say I expected it but absolutely buzzing to receive the award. I’ve just got to take it game by game and season by season and hopefully it will all fall into place. It’s going really well at the moment but I can’t think of any more records I can take so I’ll settle for those two!”