SHOLING quiet man Alex Sawyer has been voted supporters’ player of the year.

In a club that houses some big personalities, it would have been easy for the 22-year-old home-grown talent to have dipped under the radar.

But Sawyer, one of a long line of home-grown talent to grace Portsmouth Road, has let his football do the talking in the Boatmen’s midfield engine room.

Now fans have recognised his contribution by voting him as the outstanding player of 2014/15, narrowly ahead of defender TJ Cuthbertson and third-placed Dan Miller.

Although manager Dave Diaper has always rated Sawyer, he feels it took him a while to emerge from the shadow of club skipper and fellow midfielder Bryon Mason, who briefly left Sholing earlier this season for Gosport Borough.

“He probably wouldn’t admit it himself but I saw, as manager, that Alex seemed to come out of himself and be his own person when Byron left and he’s kept that going since Byron came back again.

“He’s quite a serious lad and he’s one of those I keep telling to loosen up a bit and play with a smile on his face.

“Football is short career and it’s important players enjoy it. If not, what’s the point?”

Like so many of his teammates during this injury-hit campaign, Sawyer has been playing through the pain barrier.

“Alex has been suffering with shin splints over the last six to eight weeks and has done well to get out on the pitch,” the boss revealed. “He’s come into his own this season and he’s one of those players you’re looking to be available every week. He’s become an important part of the team.”

After seeing off bottom club Bashley 4-2 on Monday, 17th-placed Sholing host another basement outfit, 20th-placed Wantage Town, tomorrow (Saturday) looking to complete a season’s double following October’s 3-2 success in Oxfordshire.

Defender Dan Miller and newly-engaged goalkeeper Matt Brown are both away, while centre-back Pete Castle (groin) heads the usual roll call of injuries for the Evo-Stik Southern One South & West clash.

“We’ve got more players unavailable than available!” said Diaper. “It’s going to be more like Sholing Reserves for our last three games.

“Our reserve side made another cup final (The John Stimpson Memorial Shield) on Wednesday and they’re still in contention for the (Wyvern) League. I’ve asked five or six of them to come to first-team training because we may need to bolster the squad.”

Sholing, who will hold their presentation night on May 9, are on the lookout for pre-season friendlies.

Contact secretary Greg Dickson on 07948 832944 or at secretary@sholingfc.com