Skem’s Shaun Tuck gets ready for yet another award

May 31 2012 Skelmersdale Advertiser

TOMMY LAWSON has paid tribute to the free-scoring Shaun Tuck, as the Skelmersdale United star prepares to pick up yet another award.

The 25-year-old is due to collect the Evo-Stik Golden Boot trophy at an awards ceremony in Blackpool next month, as reward for his 31-goal haul last season.

Tuck has already picked up the Player of the Year and Leading Goalscorer award for the Evo-Stik First Division North, and was this week named Player of the Year by Skem's supporters.

"It is fantastic for him," said Lawson. "It is also richly deserved.

"He has done fantastically well over the last 12 months, and we are all very proud of what he has achieved.

"It is great recognition for him, but also for the club as well. Tucker would be the first to pay tribute to his team-mates, who have helped him achieve what he has, and I would echo that."

There were also awards for goalkeeper Sam Ashton, who was named by Lawson as his Player of the Year, and for defender Rob McIntosh, who picked up the Players' Player award.

"They both deserve it, they have both been excellent this season," added Lawson.

The Skem boss revealed there has been no let-up in his workload since the end of the season. Lawson says he has been working round the clock to strengthen a squad that narrowly missed out on a play-off spot last season.

He hopes to retain the majority of his current squad, but confirmed that striker Josh Hine, who scored 11 times last season, is to join Evo-Stik Premier side Northwich Victoria.

"That is all agreed and set up," said Lawson. "He will depart with our best wishes, which is how it should be.

"He did well for us last season, but we know where we are financially, and we can't compete with clubs like that. We wish Josh all the best, and we are sure he will do a good job for Northwich.”

He added: “We are still working hard to strengthen in certain areas.

“We are talking to a couple of players who we know will significantly strengthen our squad. Hopefully we can get something sorted out in that respect.”