Kelly And Tomlin Up For EFL Awards

Youngster Kelly has been shortlisted for the LFE Apprentice of the Year award in the Sky Bet Championship.

The 18-year-old is up against Nottingham Forest’s Ben Brereton and George Hirst of Sheffield Wednesday for the honour.

Kelly signed for the club’s Academy aged just 12, but was quickly fast-tracked into first team training by 16.

He was nominated for his excellent progress in all areas of his apprenticeship, including completing an NVQ and passing coaching qualifications.

Kelly travelled with the club’s Community Trust to work as a volunteer work in 2013 and two years later was on pre-season tour once more, this time in the first-team fold.

Academy manager Gary Probert said: “Lloyd encapsulates everything we believe a Bristol City player should look like. As a young person, an academic and footballer, Lloyd has made terrific progress across the duration of his scholarship.”

Tomlin’s stunning half-volley against Huddersfield Town is in the final ten shortlisted for the Goal of the Year award.

The final five will shortly be chosen from fans’ votes, with the overall winner to be selected at the EFL Awards, which takes place in London on Sunday, April 9th.

In one of the flagship categories, Leeds United’s talisman Chris Wood – a former City loanee – is one of three players shortlisted for the hotly-contested Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season award. He’s up against Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Anthony Knockaert.

After spending the majority of the season at the top of League One it is not a surprise that Sheffield United have two players in contention for League One Player of the Season; prolific forward Billy Sharp and team-mate John Fleck. Scunthorpe United’s Josh Morris completes the shortlist.

The Sky Bet League Two Player of the Season shortlist includes Doncaster Rovers duo James Coppinger and John Marquis, plus Luton Town’s Danny Hylton.