Voting for Exeter’s Player of the Season Now Open

Voting for the official Exeter City player of the season for 2015/16 season is now open. Supporters can vote in person at the reception at St James Park, or by voting on-line here.

Here we look at some of the contenders for the award (any stats quoted are before the game with Northampton and relate to League 2 games only).

Bobby Olejnik. The Austrian goalkeeper has been ever-present this season, and has bought some stability at the back. Some highly commendable performances recently and key to the current good run with 4 clean sheets in 9 games. Has started all 41 League 2 games and has a win ratio of 41.4%.

David Noble. Despite a couple of spells out with injury Noble has been influential in the games he’s played, finding space for players. He provided a master class in midfield control in the Liverpool cup tie at St James Park and more recently opened up the Argyle game allowing Ollie Watkins to star. His celebrations with away fans have become legendary and he’s really been enjoying the season and his football. Started 20 games (plus 5 as sub) and has a win ratio of 52%.

Christian Ribeiro. Winner of this award last season. Key defender with the ability to run the channels and provide excellent crosses. Until Saturday’s game away to Yeovil,  City had not won a game without him playing. Has started 28 games (plus 3 as sub) and contributed 3 goals. Ribs has a win ratio of 51.6%.

Troy Brown. Capture of the season. Released by relegated Cheltenham Town at the end of last season, Troy has been a rock in the heart of Exeter’s defence. A few man of the match performances has earned him the respect of the City faithful. Second highest in the appearance numbers after Bobby. One goal in 35 appearances (plus 1 as sub), and a win ratio of 44.4%.

Lee Holmes. Joined on loan from Preston last season, he’ll be much remembered for his goal from a corner in the televised Liverpool tie at St James Park. Pacy winger providing much width to the team. Has a good camaraderie with the Red Legion where at the end of a game he dance to their song “Your Defence is terrified, Lee Holmes on fire”.  Has started 27 games (plus 6 as sub) and 2 league goals. Lee’s win ratio is 39.4%.

Ollie Watkins. Suddenly shot to prominence, and his recent performances could well earn him sufficient votes to win this award. In particular, his 2 goals against Plymouth Argyle including an winner in added time, has given the young an legendary status. His 7 goals in the last 8 games coincides with Exeter going unbeaten and able to challenge for a play off place. Ollie has started 11 times (plus 5 as substitute) this season, scoring 7 league goals. His win ratio is 40%.

Honourable mentions should go to Jake Taylor whose arrival has coincided with an improvement to Exeter’s performances, Jayden Stockley for providing a target for all those crosses (and is good with his feet as well), and Exeweb sponsored David Wheeler who has contributed 8 goals in all competitions.

Not wanting to be forgotten, Clinton Morrison wrote this on the supporters Facebook page:-

I should be player of the year because I talk to all of you lot and get stick and still come back 😂😂😂what other ex internationals talk to there fans im ****** good aren’t i 😂😂😂and im the best in the changing room with the players getting everyone going and being the funniest lol

The presentation will be made after the final League 2 game of the season at St James Park on 30 April, which is against Morecambe.