Monday, May 7, 2012

He's only five foot three (and a bit)


Chris Solly, Charlton Athletic player of the year 2011-12. And young player of the year. And, while we're at it, the winner of the disabled supporters player of the year. A first career hat trick for the young full back.

As you would imagine, this was a much stiffer contest than it was last season when Jose Semedo walked away with the honour, interestingly enough just as he did this season at Sheffield Wednesday.

Yann Kermorgant was the runner up with Johnnie Jackson coming in third. I believe Solly picked up 53% of the vote to claim the prize. I'm not quite sure on the percentage Mikel Alonso got but I'm told on good authority he was way off a podium finish.

It's been a superb season for the youngster. Always solid and dependable he's been a rock and had the beating of some very experienced and capable wide men. He's even captured the eyes of a wider audience than just that in League One. Stuart Pearce did of course name him in his initial long list for the British Olympic team and although he didn't make the short list it is still an unbelievable achievement for a home grown lad that has waited patiently for the past three years to make the position his own. He's played understudy to a few different faces in that time.

The most recent was of course Carl Jenkinson. He was one of the big talking points of last season breaking into the team with mature and classy performances. How little we knew then when Arsenal swooped for him! You wonder if Arsene Wenger thinks he's now bought the wrong lad.

There have been some superb footballers for the club who have won this honour over the years, yet this very likable youngster doesn't look at all out of place amongst them.
If one player is going to shine in the Championship for Charlton next season you can bet it's a little full back who is, it has to be said, much better than a former English national captain.

I expect you could also trust young Chris with your girlfriend too!

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