Chesham skipper expecting summer battle to keep Potton

May 25 2012 By Yann Tear

James Potton

SKIPPER Danny Talbot admits Chesham United may find it hard to hold on to player of the season James Potton, after an excellent campaign from the young midfielder.

Potton swept the board at Chesham United’s end-of-season awards, and Talbot said the accolades were totally merited. However, the 22-year-old has shown he could play in a higher division and may become a target for clubs further up the football pyramid.

Potton established himself as a first-team regular this season, scoring 15 goals.

“I think James can play league football,” Talbot said. “He’s now as good as players I’ve played with at that level and it may just be a case of whether teams take a risk on him or not. He’s a very dedicated player and in training, you always want JP in your team.

“James is still young and you hope that Chesham can keep hold of him. Training and playing with him this season, I definitely feel he can go and play higher, but hopefully he will stay and can be just as big an influence next season.

“He was my clear choice as player of the year – he’s had a super season. A couple of years ago, he was happy just to get his head down and play in the reserves but the more he joined us at training, you could see what a good player he was. You can always tell when someone’s good on the ball and he’s definitely kicked on from where he was.

“He’s done well playing in all sorts of positions and
he’s one of the main reasons why we made the play-offs. He chipped in with a lot of goals and his vision and awareness is what marks him out.

“He’s so quick to change direction and switch the angle of attack, and his passing and ability to create goals has been vital.”

Potton picked up the prizes as Examiner Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Manager’s Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season at the club bash on Saturday.

United boss Andy Leese and assistant Jon Meakes were presented with a glass trophy to mark their five years at the club. Teenager Brad Wadkins was named most improved player and striker Simon Thomas received the golden boot for his 22-goal return. Toby Akin was named Reserve Manager’s Player of the Season and Matt Lench the Reserves Players’ Player.