Post by Macmoish on Apr 23, 2012 7:41:29 GMT
TEAM TALK
PFA Championship Team of the Year
Goalkeeper
KELVIN DAVIS: Southampton's success this season has been built on solid foundations, with Davis providing a reliable last line of defence. He has been a virtual ever-present for the Saints, with his experience proving to be a vital tool in Nigel Adkins' armoury. Davis' pedigree is without question, but the fact that this is his fourth appearance in a PFA Team of the Year, and his third in successive seasons, proves that he is a shot-stopper of the highest calibre.
Defenders
NATHANIEL CLYNE: Clyne has been billed as a Premier League star of the future for so long that it is easy to forget that he is only 21 years old. His performances since breaking into the Crystal Palace team some three-and-a-half years ago have belied his years and it is easy to see why he is such a sought-after talent. He has been a regular for the Eagles again this season and is currently mulling over the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park.
JAMES TOMKINS: West Ham through and through, Tomkins is determined to ensure that the Hammers bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Were they to achieve that feat, the perfect ending would be provided to a productive campaign for Tomkins. He has made over 40 appearances for the capital outfit this term and ended any uncertainty regarding his future in January when he agreed a deal that will keep him at Upton Park until 2016.
CURTIS DAVIES: A gruelling campaign for Birmingham which has seen them juggle domestic and European commitments has them well-placed to bounce straight back into the Premier League. Davies' presence at the heart of their back four has played a big part in their success, with the commanding centre-half having made 50 appearances this season and looked every part the experienced top flight performer that he is.
IAN HARTE: Part of the meanest defence in the second tier, Harte seems to be getting better with age. The vastly-experienced Irishman is now 34 years old, but you would not know it to watch him in action. He has formed part of a back four that has conceded at a rate of less than a goal a game this term and is currently readying himself for another shot at the Premier League. Harte is also making his fourth appearance in a PFA Team of the Year, his third in a row and his second consecutive appearance in the Championship selection.
Midfielders
ADAM LALLANA: Lallana was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year in 2010/11 and has made the step up into the Championship with such apparent ease that he is included within the best of the best once again. A goal-scoring playmaker of some repute, the 23-year-old has already broken into double figures for the season. He is considered to be ready for the Premier League and will be desperate to grace that stage in 2012/13.
PETER WHITTINGHAM: Whittingham last graced the PFA Championship Team of the Year back in 2009/10, the year in which Cardiff suffered play-off final heartache against Blackpool. He will be hoping history does not repeat itself two years on, with both sides in the promotion hunt once again. Whittingham continues to provide a regular source of goals and assists for the Bluebirds, with the target found on 11 occasions this season.
MARK NOBLE: Another of West Ham's home-grown stars hoping to avoid spending more than one season in the second tier, Noble is a player whose ability deserves to be gracing the grandest of stages. A former England U21 international and a man with over 150 Premier League appearances under his belt, the combative midfielder has done his best to lead the Hammers' promotion charge. Noble has scored eight goals and provided a handful of assists, but it is the consistency of his displays that makes him indispensible at Upton Park.
MATT PHILLIPS: Ian Holloway has moved quickly to rubbish the latest round of transfer rumours regarding Phillips, and he has every right to want to steer attention away from his talented 21-year-old. Phillips took in a loan spell with Sheffield United at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, but burst into life after returning to Bloomfield Road. He has netted two hat-tricks this season, helping him to break into double figures for the season, and has earned international recognition. Having been overlooked by England at senior level, he has committed himself to Scotland and was handed his first call-up by Craig Levein for a friendly date with Slovenia.
Strikers
RICKIE LAMBERT: The South Coast goal machine shows no signs of slowing down, with Lambert proving once again that he is among the most prolific marksmen the Football League has to offer. He has already plundered 27 goals this season, putting him top of the Championship scoring charts by some distance, and is on course to beat his personal best return of 36 in all competitions. Lambert makes the PFA grade for the third time in his career, with his second club, and will be a man to keep a close eye on should the Saints book a ticket back to the Premier League.
JAY RODRIGUEZ: Still only 22 years of age, Rodriguez would appear to be destined for a bright future at the very top of the game. A local lad turned good, Rodriguez has been the leading light for Burnley this season and is in the process of forging a potentially devastating strike partnership with Charlie Austin. He has grabbed 21 goals in all competitions this season, his best return to date, with a four-goal showing against Burton Albion in the first round of the Carling Cup back in August paving the way for what was to follow.
www.teamtalk.com/championship/7694090/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-Championship
TEAMTALK - PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR: LEAGUE ONE
Goalkeeper
Ben Hamer (Charlton): Brought in by Charlton boss Chris Powell as one of 18 new signings last summer, Hamer has made one of the biggest impacts at The Valley. The goalkeeper has made the No.1 jersey his own this season following the departure of Rob Elliot to Newcastle, making steady improvement as the campaign has progressed. A solid presence between the sticks and growing in confidence, the highly-rated 24-year-old has produced a string of fine performances as the Addicks stormed to automatic promotion. Hamer is unbeaten in 33 of his 38 League One games for Charlton after helping the Londoners to 24 wins. The former Reading man has also kept 17 clean sheets, securing the best record in the league.
Defenders
Jack Hunt (Huddersfield): Young defender Hunt has been a standout performer in his first full season for Huddersfield as they push for promotion. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year, impressing on loan with Chesterfield for the first half of the season, and was rewarded with a regular spot in the Terriers side this term, a chance he has grabbed with both hands. Hunt has been utilised as a right-back under both Lee Clark and Simon Grayson but the versatile player has also shown his prowess going forward from deep. Recognised for his bombing runs down the wing, the pacey youngster has proved himself a dab hand at clipping in crosses, having provided nine assists for the Terriers.
Michael Morrison (Charlton): The Addicks have reaped big rewards after signing centre-back Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday as one of their influx of new faces last summer. No stranger to a League One promotion push, having previously helped Leicester achieve the feat back in 2009, Morrison has established himself as the rock at the heart of the Addicks' defence. Ever-present and a dominant force at the back, the 24-year-old has performed consistently throughout the campaign, lending a hand in all 20 of the clean sheets Charlton have recorded. He has also proved himself a nuisance in the opposition box, netting four goals. Morrison may not have been the player hogging the spotlight for the Londoners this season but he has been a vital part of their promotion-winning side.
Harry Maguire (Sheffield United): A homegrown hero at Bramall Lane, up-and-coming defender Maguire has had a huge impact on their promotion hunt this season. The 19-year-old centre-back, who broke into the Blades first team at the end of the last term after impressing in United's storming run to the FA Youth Cup final, has notched up 41 league appearances for the South Yorkshire club on his first full campaign. Maguire has been a solid and reassuring presence alongside Neil Collins at the heart of United's defence, with a calmness and maturity to his play which defies his age. The teenager has cemented himself as one of the Blades' prized assets and his impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with the stopper believed to have attracted interest from the Premier League.
Rhoys Wiggins (Charlton): Another of Chris Powell's summer coups, left-back Wiggins has made waves at The Valley after joining from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee. Accomplished in defence but also a dangerous threat going forwards, the Welshman has linked up well with captain Johnnie Jackson down the left this season. The defender has provided seven assists for the Londoners, a tally bettered only by midfielder Danny Green and striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, to provide an important boost to their promotion-winning campaign.
Midfielders
Johnnie Jackson (Charlton): Charlton's influential captain has been a lynchpin to their promotion-winning season. The hard-working midfielder, handed the skipper's armband this term after arriving at The Valley in summer 2010, has led from the front to inspire some crucial wins for Chris Powell's side. Injury struck the skipper over the festive period but he came back rejuvenated to spur the Addicks on in the crucial final months of the season and take his goal tally to a notable 12, while he has also provided seven assists. Jackson found particularly memorable form in January, when his two wonderful free-kicks secured successive victories over Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday to subdue the Steel City rivals in the title race.
Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United): While star striker Ched Evans and midfield ace Kevin McDonald have, deservedly, been snagging most of the headlines for Sheffield United this season, midfield stalwart Quinn has been unassumingly knocking up the best assists tally in the league, with 14 to his name so far. The pint-sized Irishman, who made his Blades debut back in 2005, has also netted four league goals to aid the club's promotion push. Quinn was one of the few bright sparks in United's dismal campaign last term and carried that momentum into this season, producing a string of diligent, committed displays.
Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons): Republic of Ireland international Gleeson has been an important cog in Karl Robinson's machine this season as MK Dons chase promotion. Operating at the heart of the Dons' engine room, the 23-year-old has continued to mature with a host of fine performances, producing five goals and the same number of assists for the club. His most important strike was arguably against Huddersfield in February, when he netted a crucial equaliser to hold the club's promotion rivals. Described, along with fellow midfielder Darren Potter, as 'Rolls Royce' quality by manager Robinson, Gleeson has played an integral part in keeping the Dons flying high.
Darren Potter (MK Dons): Midfielder Potter only arrived at the Stadium mk from Sheffield Wednesday last June on an initial 12-month deal but has fast established himself as a key feature of Robinson's side. Pairing up superbly with Stephen Gleeson, the 27-year-old often pulls the strings in the middle of the park. Potter has been a regular performer for the Dons, notching up 36 appearances so far with a contribution of two goals and three assists. A calming influence on the pitch, the midfielder has also made an impact off it, with Robinson revealing he is a "strong character" in the Dons' dressing room. His diligent displays have not gone unnoticed by the manager, with the club tying the midfielder down on a new two-year deal earlier this week as a reward for his efforts.
Strikers
Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield): Undoubtedly the player that has been turning the most heads in League One this season, goal-machine Rhodes has spearheaded Huddersfield's push for promotion. An exciting frontman and natural scorer, the 22-year-old has netted a remarkable 35 goals in 38 appearances for the Terriers so far this season to lift him six strikes clear at the helm of the top-scorers chart. A standout moment in the youngster's campaign was his unprecedented five goals at Wycombe as Huddersfield hit them for six in January, with that haul contributing to 12 goals Rhodes scored in just 20 days and five league matches. His success has brought with it inevitable interest from the Premier League, as well as a call-up to the senior Scotland squad and the striker's first international cap.
Ched Evans (Sheffield United): Since rescuing Sheffield United from defeat at Sc**thorpe with his first goal of the season, prolific striker Evans has not looked back. After previously struggling to make an impact at the South Yorkshire club following his arrival from Manchester City in 2009, the striker has finally found his form. Topped in the scoring stakes only by Jordan Rhodes, the Welshman has amassed an impressive 29 goals so far this term to keep the Blades on course for a ticket into the Championship. That haul included his first ever senior hat-trick, netted during United's 4-1 demolition of local rivals Chesterfield. The Wales international has been scoring goals for fun as Danny Wilson's men close on promotion, firing home 14 in 11 appearances dating back to March 3rd. It is no surprise Evans has caught the eye of teams in the higher tiers and the Blades could find it tough to keep him, with the striker's contract due to expire in the summer, but manager Wilson says the club will do everything they can to retain their main man.
www.teamtalk.co.za/league-one/7694094/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-League-One
TEAMTALK - PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR LEAGUE TWO
Goalkeeper
Bobby Olejnik (Torquay): Olejnik broke Torquay's Football League clean-sheets record against Southend on April 14th when he kept his 20th shut-out of the season. The assured former Austria Under-21 international, who left Falkirk last summer after turning down a pay cut, has been ever-present for the Gulls and recently signed a new two-year deal.
Defenders
Paul Caddis (Swindon): An ankle injury recently kept Robins skipper Caddis on the sidelines for six weeks, but he's otherwise been a staple in Paolo Di Canio's starting XI. The young Scot's maturity and commitment (he turned down the chance to cancel his County Ground contract last summer) have been crucial to the defence, and with four league goals and three assists to his name, he's shown his class going forward too.
Kyle McFadzean (Crawley): Crawley accepted some big-money bids for their star players this season, but one man they wouldn't let go just yet was McFadzean. The big Yorkshireman's versatility (he's played in midfield and at right-back) has been vital and although he blotted his copybook with his role in the brawl at Bradford, he has set the standard for the division's defenders on his first season in the Football League.
Ian Sharps (Shrewsbury): It can't be a coincidence that the Shrews suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign - a 3-0 reverse at Southend - when Sharps was on the treatment table. Fortunately, the club captain and Mr Dependable was soon back to resume his rock-solid partnership alongside Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and can take a large slice of the credit for the New Meadow being a true fortress this season.
Kevin Nicholson (Torquay): Nicholson's fifth season at Plainmoor has been one of consistency, concentration and acclaim - his sensational stoppage-time match-winner against Barnet must be among the top moments in this League Two campaign. A hugely popular figure among Gulls fans, 'Nico' has weighed in with four league goals and has started every game.
Midfielders
Matt Ritchie (Swindon): Crafty winger Ritchie was named League Two's best player by the division's managers at the Football League Awards in March, and his fellow professionals have now followed suit by including him in their XI. With 13 assists in 2011/12 (a tally bettered only by Southend's Ryan Hall) and nine goals, Ritchie is one half of a dynamic right-flank duo that Robins fans are praying stays in place for next season.
Marlon Pack (Cheltenham): A Portsmouth product like fellow Team of the Year inclusion Ritchie, deep-lying midfielder Pack was picked up for nothing last summer having starred on a season-long loan at Whaddon Road. Bossing the centre of the park as Town set the pace in the table early on, Pack's prowess at set-pieces and ability to launch quick counter-attacks have been stand-out components of Cheltenham's campaign.
Eunan O'Kane (Torquay): O'Kane's brace in the 3-1 Devon derby win over Plymouth at Plainmoor in November cemented a special place for him in the hearts of Gulls fans - Martin Ling described the goals as "two absolute corkers" - but in truth, the Irishman has provided invention and industry all season long at Plainmoor, chalking up nine assists and only missing one match, through suspension.
Lee Mansell (Torquay): Weighing in with 12 league goals in the campaign, tenacious Gulls skipper Mansell's will to win has typified Torquay in 2011/12. A determined midfield dynamo since returning to the position from a stint at right-back in previous seasons, the 29-year-old is fiercely loyal to the Devon club and rightly considered the heartbeat of Plainmoor.
Strikers
Izale McLeod (Barnet): McLeod has contributed almost 40% of Barnet's league goals this season on his own, a superb personal tally and clearly pivotal to the Bees' chances of survival in the Football League. Always willing to run at defenders and cause problems, McLeod was at his sharpest in two spells this season - he netted seven goals in five consecutive games in August / September before enjoying another purple patch of seven in six from mid-October through to December.
Tyrone Barnett (Crawley): Everyone expected Matt Tubbs to continue his goal glut following Crawley's promotion, but the arrival of Barnett from Macclesfield in the summer gave the Red Devils a twin threat few defences could cope with. Netting 14 goals before leaving for Peterborough on a record fee in mid-February, Barnett's self-belief - he worked his way up the pyramid after being released by West Brom in 2005 - should serve as an inspiration to all lower-league footballers.
www.teamtalk.com/league-two/7694106/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-League-Two
PFA Championship Team of the Year
Goalkeeper
KELVIN DAVIS: Southampton's success this season has been built on solid foundations, with Davis providing a reliable last line of defence. He has been a virtual ever-present for the Saints, with his experience proving to be a vital tool in Nigel Adkins' armoury. Davis' pedigree is without question, but the fact that this is his fourth appearance in a PFA Team of the Year, and his third in successive seasons, proves that he is a shot-stopper of the highest calibre.
Defenders
NATHANIEL CLYNE: Clyne has been billed as a Premier League star of the future for so long that it is easy to forget that he is only 21 years old. His performances since breaking into the Crystal Palace team some three-and-a-half years ago have belied his years and it is easy to see why he is such a sought-after talent. He has been a regular for the Eagles again this season and is currently mulling over the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park.
JAMES TOMKINS: West Ham through and through, Tomkins is determined to ensure that the Hammers bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Were they to achieve that feat, the perfect ending would be provided to a productive campaign for Tomkins. He has made over 40 appearances for the capital outfit this term and ended any uncertainty regarding his future in January when he agreed a deal that will keep him at Upton Park until 2016.
CURTIS DAVIES: A gruelling campaign for Birmingham which has seen them juggle domestic and European commitments has them well-placed to bounce straight back into the Premier League. Davies' presence at the heart of their back four has played a big part in their success, with the commanding centre-half having made 50 appearances this season and looked every part the experienced top flight performer that he is.
IAN HARTE: Part of the meanest defence in the second tier, Harte seems to be getting better with age. The vastly-experienced Irishman is now 34 years old, but you would not know it to watch him in action. He has formed part of a back four that has conceded at a rate of less than a goal a game this term and is currently readying himself for another shot at the Premier League. Harte is also making his fourth appearance in a PFA Team of the Year, his third in a row and his second consecutive appearance in the Championship selection.
Midfielders
ADAM LALLANA: Lallana was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year in 2010/11 and has made the step up into the Championship with such apparent ease that he is included within the best of the best once again. A goal-scoring playmaker of some repute, the 23-year-old has already broken into double figures for the season. He is considered to be ready for the Premier League and will be desperate to grace that stage in 2012/13.
PETER WHITTINGHAM: Whittingham last graced the PFA Championship Team of the Year back in 2009/10, the year in which Cardiff suffered play-off final heartache against Blackpool. He will be hoping history does not repeat itself two years on, with both sides in the promotion hunt once again. Whittingham continues to provide a regular source of goals and assists for the Bluebirds, with the target found on 11 occasions this season.
MARK NOBLE: Another of West Ham's home-grown stars hoping to avoid spending more than one season in the second tier, Noble is a player whose ability deserves to be gracing the grandest of stages. A former England U21 international and a man with over 150 Premier League appearances under his belt, the combative midfielder has done his best to lead the Hammers' promotion charge. Noble has scored eight goals and provided a handful of assists, but it is the consistency of his displays that makes him indispensible at Upton Park.
MATT PHILLIPS: Ian Holloway has moved quickly to rubbish the latest round of transfer rumours regarding Phillips, and he has every right to want to steer attention away from his talented 21-year-old. Phillips took in a loan spell with Sheffield United at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, but burst into life after returning to Bloomfield Road. He has netted two hat-tricks this season, helping him to break into double figures for the season, and has earned international recognition. Having been overlooked by England at senior level, he has committed himself to Scotland and was handed his first call-up by Craig Levein for a friendly date with Slovenia.
Strikers
RICKIE LAMBERT: The South Coast goal machine shows no signs of slowing down, with Lambert proving once again that he is among the most prolific marksmen the Football League has to offer. He has already plundered 27 goals this season, putting him top of the Championship scoring charts by some distance, and is on course to beat his personal best return of 36 in all competitions. Lambert makes the PFA grade for the third time in his career, with his second club, and will be a man to keep a close eye on should the Saints book a ticket back to the Premier League.
JAY RODRIGUEZ: Still only 22 years of age, Rodriguez would appear to be destined for a bright future at the very top of the game. A local lad turned good, Rodriguez has been the leading light for Burnley this season and is in the process of forging a potentially devastating strike partnership with Charlie Austin. He has grabbed 21 goals in all competitions this season, his best return to date, with a four-goal showing against Burton Albion in the first round of the Carling Cup back in August paving the way for what was to follow.
www.teamtalk.com/championship/7694090/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-Championship
TEAMTALK - PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR: LEAGUE ONE
Goalkeeper
Ben Hamer (Charlton): Brought in by Charlton boss Chris Powell as one of 18 new signings last summer, Hamer has made one of the biggest impacts at The Valley. The goalkeeper has made the No.1 jersey his own this season following the departure of Rob Elliot to Newcastle, making steady improvement as the campaign has progressed. A solid presence between the sticks and growing in confidence, the highly-rated 24-year-old has produced a string of fine performances as the Addicks stormed to automatic promotion. Hamer is unbeaten in 33 of his 38 League One games for Charlton after helping the Londoners to 24 wins. The former Reading man has also kept 17 clean sheets, securing the best record in the league.
Defenders
Jack Hunt (Huddersfield): Young defender Hunt has been a standout performer in his first full season for Huddersfield as they push for promotion. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year, impressing on loan with Chesterfield for the first half of the season, and was rewarded with a regular spot in the Terriers side this term, a chance he has grabbed with both hands. Hunt has been utilised as a right-back under both Lee Clark and Simon Grayson but the versatile player has also shown his prowess going forward from deep. Recognised for his bombing runs down the wing, the pacey youngster has proved himself a dab hand at clipping in crosses, having provided nine assists for the Terriers.
Michael Morrison (Charlton): The Addicks have reaped big rewards after signing centre-back Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday as one of their influx of new faces last summer. No stranger to a League One promotion push, having previously helped Leicester achieve the feat back in 2009, Morrison has established himself as the rock at the heart of the Addicks' defence. Ever-present and a dominant force at the back, the 24-year-old has performed consistently throughout the campaign, lending a hand in all 20 of the clean sheets Charlton have recorded. He has also proved himself a nuisance in the opposition box, netting four goals. Morrison may not have been the player hogging the spotlight for the Londoners this season but he has been a vital part of their promotion-winning side.
Harry Maguire (Sheffield United): A homegrown hero at Bramall Lane, up-and-coming defender Maguire has had a huge impact on their promotion hunt this season. The 19-year-old centre-back, who broke into the Blades first team at the end of the last term after impressing in United's storming run to the FA Youth Cup final, has notched up 41 league appearances for the South Yorkshire club on his first full campaign. Maguire has been a solid and reassuring presence alongside Neil Collins at the heart of United's defence, with a calmness and maturity to his play which defies his age. The teenager has cemented himself as one of the Blades' prized assets and his impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with the stopper believed to have attracted interest from the Premier League.
Rhoys Wiggins (Charlton): Another of Chris Powell's summer coups, left-back Wiggins has made waves at The Valley after joining from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee. Accomplished in defence but also a dangerous threat going forwards, the Welshman has linked up well with captain Johnnie Jackson down the left this season. The defender has provided seven assists for the Londoners, a tally bettered only by midfielder Danny Green and striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, to provide an important boost to their promotion-winning campaign.
Midfielders
Johnnie Jackson (Charlton): Charlton's influential captain has been a lynchpin to their promotion-winning season. The hard-working midfielder, handed the skipper's armband this term after arriving at The Valley in summer 2010, has led from the front to inspire some crucial wins for Chris Powell's side. Injury struck the skipper over the festive period but he came back rejuvenated to spur the Addicks on in the crucial final months of the season and take his goal tally to a notable 12, while he has also provided seven assists. Jackson found particularly memorable form in January, when his two wonderful free-kicks secured successive victories over Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday to subdue the Steel City rivals in the title race.
Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United): While star striker Ched Evans and midfield ace Kevin McDonald have, deservedly, been snagging most of the headlines for Sheffield United this season, midfield stalwart Quinn has been unassumingly knocking up the best assists tally in the league, with 14 to his name so far. The pint-sized Irishman, who made his Blades debut back in 2005, has also netted four league goals to aid the club's promotion push. Quinn was one of the few bright sparks in United's dismal campaign last term and carried that momentum into this season, producing a string of diligent, committed displays.
Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons): Republic of Ireland international Gleeson has been an important cog in Karl Robinson's machine this season as MK Dons chase promotion. Operating at the heart of the Dons' engine room, the 23-year-old has continued to mature with a host of fine performances, producing five goals and the same number of assists for the club. His most important strike was arguably against Huddersfield in February, when he netted a crucial equaliser to hold the club's promotion rivals. Described, along with fellow midfielder Darren Potter, as 'Rolls Royce' quality by manager Robinson, Gleeson has played an integral part in keeping the Dons flying high.
Darren Potter (MK Dons): Midfielder Potter only arrived at the Stadium mk from Sheffield Wednesday last June on an initial 12-month deal but has fast established himself as a key feature of Robinson's side. Pairing up superbly with Stephen Gleeson, the 27-year-old often pulls the strings in the middle of the park. Potter has been a regular performer for the Dons, notching up 36 appearances so far with a contribution of two goals and three assists. A calming influence on the pitch, the midfielder has also made an impact off it, with Robinson revealing he is a "strong character" in the Dons' dressing room. His diligent displays have not gone unnoticed by the manager, with the club tying the midfielder down on a new two-year deal earlier this week as a reward for his efforts.
Strikers
Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield): Undoubtedly the player that has been turning the most heads in League One this season, goal-machine Rhodes has spearheaded Huddersfield's push for promotion. An exciting frontman and natural scorer, the 22-year-old has netted a remarkable 35 goals in 38 appearances for the Terriers so far this season to lift him six strikes clear at the helm of the top-scorers chart. A standout moment in the youngster's campaign was his unprecedented five goals at Wycombe as Huddersfield hit them for six in January, with that haul contributing to 12 goals Rhodes scored in just 20 days and five league matches. His success has brought with it inevitable interest from the Premier League, as well as a call-up to the senior Scotland squad and the striker's first international cap.
Ched Evans (Sheffield United): Since rescuing Sheffield United from defeat at Sc**thorpe with his first goal of the season, prolific striker Evans has not looked back. After previously struggling to make an impact at the South Yorkshire club following his arrival from Manchester City in 2009, the striker has finally found his form. Topped in the scoring stakes only by Jordan Rhodes, the Welshman has amassed an impressive 29 goals so far this term to keep the Blades on course for a ticket into the Championship. That haul included his first ever senior hat-trick, netted during United's 4-1 demolition of local rivals Chesterfield. The Wales international has been scoring goals for fun as Danny Wilson's men close on promotion, firing home 14 in 11 appearances dating back to March 3rd. It is no surprise Evans has caught the eye of teams in the higher tiers and the Blades could find it tough to keep him, with the striker's contract due to expire in the summer, but manager Wilson says the club will do everything they can to retain their main man.
www.teamtalk.co.za/league-one/7694094/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-League-One
TEAMTALK - PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR LEAGUE TWO
Goalkeeper
Bobby Olejnik (Torquay): Olejnik broke Torquay's Football League clean-sheets record against Southend on April 14th when he kept his 20th shut-out of the season. The assured former Austria Under-21 international, who left Falkirk last summer after turning down a pay cut, has been ever-present for the Gulls and recently signed a new two-year deal.
Defenders
Paul Caddis (Swindon): An ankle injury recently kept Robins skipper Caddis on the sidelines for six weeks, but he's otherwise been a staple in Paolo Di Canio's starting XI. The young Scot's maturity and commitment (he turned down the chance to cancel his County Ground contract last summer) have been crucial to the defence, and with four league goals and three assists to his name, he's shown his class going forward too.
Kyle McFadzean (Crawley): Crawley accepted some big-money bids for their star players this season, but one man they wouldn't let go just yet was McFadzean. The big Yorkshireman's versatility (he's played in midfield and at right-back) has been vital and although he blotted his copybook with his role in the brawl at Bradford, he has set the standard for the division's defenders on his first season in the Football League.
Ian Sharps (Shrewsbury): It can't be a coincidence that the Shrews suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign - a 3-0 reverse at Southend - when Sharps was on the treatment table. Fortunately, the club captain and Mr Dependable was soon back to resume his rock-solid partnership alongside Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and can take a large slice of the credit for the New Meadow being a true fortress this season.
Kevin Nicholson (Torquay): Nicholson's fifth season at Plainmoor has been one of consistency, concentration and acclaim - his sensational stoppage-time match-winner against Barnet must be among the top moments in this League Two campaign. A hugely popular figure among Gulls fans, 'Nico' has weighed in with four league goals and has started every game.
Midfielders
Matt Ritchie (Swindon): Crafty winger Ritchie was named League Two's best player by the division's managers at the Football League Awards in March, and his fellow professionals have now followed suit by including him in their XI. With 13 assists in 2011/12 (a tally bettered only by Southend's Ryan Hall) and nine goals, Ritchie is one half of a dynamic right-flank duo that Robins fans are praying stays in place for next season.
Marlon Pack (Cheltenham): A Portsmouth product like fellow Team of the Year inclusion Ritchie, deep-lying midfielder Pack was picked up for nothing last summer having starred on a season-long loan at Whaddon Road. Bossing the centre of the park as Town set the pace in the table early on, Pack's prowess at set-pieces and ability to launch quick counter-attacks have been stand-out components of Cheltenham's campaign.
Eunan O'Kane (Torquay): O'Kane's brace in the 3-1 Devon derby win over Plymouth at Plainmoor in November cemented a special place for him in the hearts of Gulls fans - Martin Ling described the goals as "two absolute corkers" - but in truth, the Irishman has provided invention and industry all season long at Plainmoor, chalking up nine assists and only missing one match, through suspension.
Lee Mansell (Torquay): Weighing in with 12 league goals in the campaign, tenacious Gulls skipper Mansell's will to win has typified Torquay in 2011/12. A determined midfield dynamo since returning to the position from a stint at right-back in previous seasons, the 29-year-old is fiercely loyal to the Devon club and rightly considered the heartbeat of Plainmoor.
Strikers
Izale McLeod (Barnet): McLeod has contributed almost 40% of Barnet's league goals this season on his own, a superb personal tally and clearly pivotal to the Bees' chances of survival in the Football League. Always willing to run at defenders and cause problems, McLeod was at his sharpest in two spells this season - he netted seven goals in five consecutive games in August / September before enjoying another purple patch of seven in six from mid-October through to December.
Tyrone Barnett (Crawley): Everyone expected Matt Tubbs to continue his goal glut following Crawley's promotion, but the arrival of Barnett from Macclesfield in the summer gave the Red Devils a twin threat few defences could cope with. Netting 14 goals before leaving for Peterborough on a record fee in mid-February, Barnett's self-belief - he worked his way up the pyramid after being released by West Brom in 2005 - should serve as an inspiration to all lower-league footballers.
www.teamtalk.com/league-two/7694106/PFA-Team-of-the-Year-League-Two