It’s not too often we get a surprise winner for our Player of the Month awards. I really thought October’s would go to Kyreece Lisbie, who led the way in the scoring charts with four goals (two braces)… but nope.
Congratulations instead to Paudie O’Connor, who came out on top in a well contested vote. He led the way with 37%, as Paddy Lane (27%) edged out Lisbie (24%) to take second. Udoka Godwin-Malife earned a respectable 11% in fourth spot.
In truth, all would have been worthy winners. Though October
was an eclectic month overall for results and performances, we can’t say there weren’t standout individuals.
O’Connor’s defensive displays shone the most brightly for you, however. His contributions were vital in a run of one goal conceded in three games (Leyton Orient, Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle) that helped the Royals pick up seven points from the final nine possible in October.
Though he was a candidate for Player of the Season last term (finishing sixth behind Jack Marriott, Lewis Wing, Joel Pereira, Derrick Williams and Kamari Doyle), this is actually O’Connor’s first POTM award. He also picked up a first Man of the Match of this season at Home Park, so all in all it’s been a good few weeks for him.
He joins Lisbie (August) and Andy Rinomhota (September) in picking up a POTM award this season. There’s some nice mirroring with last season, when we also saw a forward player, midfielder and defender get the first three awards: Williams, Marriott and Charlie Savage.
Though O’Connor gets most of the plaudits, a word too for Lane. October was a breakout month for him – a first POTM shortlist inclusion for him, and finishing second is certainly creditable too.
It’s a real shame he’s now been ruled out for a little while due to injury. Hopefully he’s back as soon as possible, as Reading could really use his quality in the final third.
