Chaplin wins national award

CONOR CHAPLIN’s memorable season continued after being named LFE League Two Apprentice of the Year.
Conor Chaplin with the Apprentice of the Year Award for League Two during the Football League Awards 2015 at The Brewery in LondonConor Chaplin with the Apprentice of the Year Award for League Two during the Football League Awards 2015 at The Brewery in London
Conor Chaplin with the Apprentice of the Year Award for League Two during the Football League Awards 2015 at The Brewery in London

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a prolific campaign, culminating in a maiden first-team goal at Morecambe earlier this month.

Now he has been honoured at the 2015 Football League Awards.

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The forward saw off competition from AFC Wimbledon’s Ben Harrison and Stevenage’s Ryan Johnson to claim the prize at last night’s gala ceremony.

And it has capped a superb season for Chaplin, who signed his first professional contract in October.

A Football League statement said: ‘Conor has shown a professional and conscientious approach to all that he does and has enjoyed a positive second year of his apprenticeship following injury in the first.

‘He is very demanding of himself and always wants to improve his performances, readily engaging with coaching staff to identify areas of development.

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‘Judges took into account the record of the player in all competitions since he became an apprentice, as well as his educational attainment and disciplinary record.’

Chaplin, from Worthing, has been on Pompey’s books since the age of 10.

He has scored 24 times in 20 appearances for the Academy this term, in addition to seven goals in 13 appearances for the reserves.

The forward made his first-team debut in December during the 3-2 home defeat to Accrington Stanley.

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He has now made seven appearances for the seniors, with one goal to his name.

Academy under-18 boss Mikey Harris and parents Mark and Tracy were present on Sunday night to see the youngster receive the honour.

In addition, Craig Westcarr was denied the Mitre Goal of the Year award for his strike against Yeovil in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Preston’s Joe Garner took that prize.

Finally, deputy safety officer Mike Turner – who has worked at Fratton Park in a variety of roles for more than 40 years – missed out on the Tokio Marine Kiln Club Hero award.

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