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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Newcastle United starlet's Bristol Rovers spell ends with another award and praise from pundit

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman described Elliot Anderson, star of Bristol Rovers' promotion campaign, as "one of the most exciting young players" in England after the playmaker collected another prize for his collection.

Just days after being named the EFL Young Player of the Month for April, the 19-year-old has received the League Two Player of the Month trophy. His sublime solo strike against Harrogate Town also won goal of the month for March.

In April, Anderson scored three goals and added two assists to his tally as the Gas moved into automatic promotion contention. The Newcastle United youngster was similarly brilliant in the final game of the season last Saturday, creating two goals before heading home the all-important seventh against Scunthorpe United that secured Rovers' promotion to League One.

“I’m delighted to receive the award from SkyBet League Two," Anderson said on receipt of the award. "I’m enjoying my football and Bristol Rovers is a great club to be playing for.”

Goodman said: “It almost needs to be pointed out that the criteria for this award is judged solely on Anderson’s performances in April, before the frankly ridiculous performance he turned in on the dramatic final day, adding two assists and a goal to the three goals and two assists he registered in April.

“He heads back to Newcastle United with a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the country, and understandably gaining a huge amount of interest from across the footballing pyramid.”

Anderson beat nominees Northampton Town's Jon Guthrie, Port Vale forward Jamie Proctor and Exeter City defender Pierce Sweeney to the award.

Gas boss Joey Barton was nominated for manager of the month, alongside Stevenage's Steve Evans and Sutton United's Matt Gray, but Exeter boss Matt Taylor took the prize.

Anderson joined Rovers on loan on January deadline day and returns to his parent club after amassing seven goals and six assists in 20 starts. Eddie Howe confirmed on Thursday he will be part of Newcastle's pre-season programme before the player's next steps are decided.

SkyBet EFL trader Ivor Davies added: “Elliot Anderson continued to have a big impact on Bristol Rovers’ season since joining the club on loan at the end of January and was their stand-out performer in April with three goals and two assists.

“The Gas were 5/2 second-favourites for promotion before a ball was kicked, but after an indifferent first half of the season they were languishing in 17th place and traded as big as 20/1 for promotion midway through December.

“Since signing Anderson on loan, Rovers have picked up 44 points in 21 games and overcame odds of 13/8 to be promoted on the final day, thanks again to a superb performance and a late 7th goal from Anderson.”

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