THE FA ENGLAND C PLAYER OF THE YEAR
KIERON FORBES – FOREST GREEN ROVERS
KIERON FORBES knew winning the England C Player of the Year was really special – when his dad gave him a pat on the back!
The Forest Green Rovers midfielder landed the prize voted on by NLP readers and, perhaps more significantly, some England C team-mates.
Forbes said: “My parents were really proud. My dad has always been disciplined, in a good way, so when he said, ‘Well done,' it must mean I have done really well.
“It's a great honour. All thanks must go to the gaffer, Paul Fairclough, and the rest of the England C staff.
“I love playing for England C. It's great to get a change of scenery from club football, get to know other players you normally play against and take on another challenge.”
It was a knock-out England C season this year for Forbes – in more ways than one. The Rovers midfielder was seeing stars after clashing with club and country team-mate Jamie Turley when the Three Lions took on Belgium Under-21s in September.
While that meant a hospital visit, a fat lip and a banging headache, the 22-year-old's contribution on the pitch made him England C Player of the Year, sponsored by The Football Association.
The former Watford and Wealdstone youngster established himself at the heart of England C's midfield.
Last summer he won his second cap against Russia in Moscow before playing against Belgium and Turkey as England C made the International Challenge Trophy semi-final.
There would have been another start in Albania last October but the heavens opened at the last minute and the game was postponed with the players already in their kit.
England lost 1-0 in the semis, but Forbes showed his quality against a talented Turkish side featuring the likes of Galatasaray's Champions League regular Emre Colak.
With many of the England C alumni now operating in the Football League and beyond, Forbes says the current crop can be inspired.
He said: “Seeing former England C players playing at a high level gives us hope and shows it's not impossible. We all have that dream.”
