James Tomkins has spoken of his delight at being crowned Young Hammer of the Year after a tremendous campaign for club and country.
The 19-year-old defender had perhaps the biggest impact of the three academy debutants this season, making five starts and one substitute appearance as he finished the season as a regular in the first team. Added to that, he firmly established himself in the England U19 set-up and is set to be an essential part of their bid to qualify for July's European Championship finals with the Elite round later this month in Belarus.
It is at West Ham United, though, where Tomkins' impact has been most keenly felt. To pick up that prestigious prize before the final game of the season was just reward for his efforts in following the likes of past winners Anton Ferdinand and Mark Noble into the side. "There are a lot of good players on that list and to be among them is a great honour," he told WHUTV. "Nobes won it before. There are a lot of big names and it feels good to be in the same bracket as them."
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Tomka, as he is known to his team-mates, will not feel he has achieved anything yet. "Obviously I have ended the season playing regularly - that is good and is going to hold me in good stead for next season but I am just going to keep trying and learning. It has been a brilliant season." He was also delighted to be able to take part in the end of season lap of the pitch and thank the supporters for their contribution this campaign. "The fans have been brilliant all season so it was good to show our respect to them and how good they have been."
While many of his colleagues have begun their holidays, Tomkins has been training hard with Freddie Sears for the England U19 trip to Belarus, where they will play three qualifying matches for July's finals in quick succession between 26 and 31 May. "I am concentrating now on England. Then I will have a little break away and then come back ready to go. My objective next season is to get into the team again. If that isn't right, and if I go out on loan then so be it. My objective though is to make a mark on this team."