Tom on Player of the Month shortlist.
Tom Eastman has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month Award for January.The defender has once again been an ever present this month, continuing his run this season, and has been a rock at the heart of the U's defence.
He is on the shortlist of four for the award, and the voting panel have had the following to say about the nominees:-
Dele Alli (MK Dons) – midfielder
Alli is now allying consistency with his energy and his staggering assurance for a teenager. He showed tremendous skill and composure for the opener against Barnsley and swept home an injury-time equaliser at Crawley Town.
Andy Butler (Doncaster Rovers) – central defender
A colossus at the back for his hometown club, Butler celebrated making his transfer from Sheffield United permanent by leading Rovers to an unbeaten month. Strong in the tackle and powerful in the air, as he showed when scoring at Chesterfield.
Tom Eastman (Colchester United) – central defender
Eastman was outstanding throughout the month against a succession of dangerous forwards. Reads the game well and possesses a comfortable range of passes, he has been pivotal to Colchester’s improved performances since the turn of the year.
Tom Hopper (Scunthorpe United) – striker
Four goals in four games for the on-loan Leicester City forward. A powerful runner, he has impressed at the Lincolnshire club with his assurance in front of goal and shot selection, especially as he only turned 21 in December.
The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.
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