Conor McGrandles

League One: 34 (3) Appearances, 4 Goals

Cups: 6 (3) Appearances, 0 Goals

I think Conor McGrandles has been our best-kept secret this season. In the early part of the campaign, he was almost a fringe midfielder, the one to make way if Grant, Bridcutt and Jones were all fit. He was solid, dependable and put a lot of hard work in, but he wasn’t writing headlines. He then missed a month and a half, from December 8 until Jan 23, and since he’s been back it has been hard not to write headlines about him. His goals return has been impressive, but his all-round game even more so. He’s found himself sat in front of the back four as well as playing the advanced role and done both very well.

What I think works in Conor’s favour is this: he stood out when the team did not. We struggled through the late winter period, which was obvious, and yet he still got praise for his efforts. Is that the sign of a Player of the Season candidate, a player who looks good even when those around him struggle to do so?