Sunday evening was a memorable one for Shaun Tuck and for Skelmersdale United. The energetic and highly enthusiastic marksman received the honour of being named Evo-Stik Division One North Player of the Year at a presentation held in Barnsley. An award that is highly prized, not just because it signifies the players achievements, but because the people who decide the winner, the opposing clubs managers, vote on who they think is the best player in the league. So it is a real measure of the high regard and respect, peers view you in as a player. 220 players start out every Saturday and to be selected as the best is some achievement.

Naturally everybody at the West Lancashire College Stadium is delighted for Shaun, but what does the rather tired (he had only got home from the presentation at 2am, and he had to be up for work at 6.45am) player think about receiving the honour.

Shaun spoke about his initial feelings on being announced player of the year;”I went on the night knowing I had been selected in the Evo-Stik League Team of the Year and I was well pleased to being getting an award for that, but it was a complete surprise to be called up to get the trophy as player of the year. There are so many good players around, not only at Skem, but in opposing clubs, too. It really is a great honour. The fact that other managers have chosen me is great and I would like to say thank you to them for voting for me.”

The first person I would like to mention, though, is my dad. Since I was a child, he has followed and supported me everywhere I have ever played football and it was nice he that he was there to see me get the trophy. I could see he was really proud last night.”

I was very pleased for everyone at Skelmersdale, too. Players, coaching staff, physios and supporters. The messages I have received since last night are nice. Everybody has sent me congratulation messages. Virtually all the players, including some who don’t play for Skelmersdale, physio’s, committee members and supporters. Thank you. I feel the award is an award for everyone.”

“The supporters have been very good to me, I have always done my best and I appreciate the fact that they recognise that. They have encouraged me from the moment I arrived at the club. I will be bringing the trophy with me to Skem when we play Trafford on Saturday; I am looking forward to showing it you and thank you.”