The hallmark of a successful season for Torquay United is often measured by the depth of choice when it comes to choosing the club's player of the year.
In the near to recent past, the award was dominated by Luke Young - who won the prize three times in the space of four seasons (2014-15, 2016-17 & 2017-18) - with Port Vale loanee Nathan Smith breaking his winning sequence (2015-16).
However, the Gulls' upturn in fortunes under Gary Johnson has seen the award shared around more often within the squad. Since Johnson's appointment in September 2018, the top prize has been claimed by Jamie Reid and Ben Whitfield in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns respectively.
There is once again ample choice for the Yellow Army for the somewhat unusual 2020-21 campaign, where the Plainmoor faithful have spent the vast majority of the season watching United in action via the club's excellent streaming service.
Amongst the leading contenders is skipper Asa Hall, who is currently enjoying one of the finest campaigns of his career to date. Hall, 34, is United's leading scorer for the season with 13 goals - which is his first double figure goal scoring return since he found the back of the net ten times for Luton Town in the 2008-09 season.
Another player who has also hit double figures from midfield is Connor Lemonheigh-Evans. The Welshman has scored ten goals in all competitions for the Gulls. This is more than he previously managed to score throughout his previous loan spells at Plainmoor from Bristol City, who he joined United from on a permanent basis in the summer of 2020.
The 'defending champion' Ben Whitfield could have been in contention to retain his title had it not been for the knee injury that he sustained against Boreham Wood in March, which he has only recently returned from. This possibly prevents him from emerging as one of the front runners and the same could also be said for centre back and vice-captain Kyle Cameron, who has only managed two substitute appearances since succumbing to a hamstring injury at home to FC Halifax Town in February.
French winger Aaron Nemane might have also emerged as a contender had it not been for injury. Nevertheless, he could yet re-emerge as a possible candidate next season should he stay at Plainmoor.
Young loanees Adam Randell and Sam Sherring could yet emulate Nathan Smith in winning the award as a loan player. On loan from Plymouth Argyle and AFC Bournemouth respectively, Randell and Sherring have grown in stature over the course of the season and have established themselves as first team regulars. Don't be surprised to see the duo plying their trade higher up the leagues next season - Randell in the Pilgrims' first team and Sherring as he continues his footballing education during another loan spell from the Cherries.
Right-back Ben Wynter could possibly be considered as a 'dark horse' in some quarters. In a different era, he might well have emerged as one of the favourites.
All in all, there are plenty of choices for the Yellow Army to choose from. If we can all agree on one thing - it is that whoever wins the vote has definitely earned it.
