NEWPORT County AFC's season may have been stopped in its tracks by coronavirus pandemic but Argus readers still get their annual chance to honour their top performer.
With 10 games left to play in their League Two campaign, voting is open for the Exiles' player of the year and six of Michael Flynn's squad are in the running for the award.
Left-back Ryan Haynes, utility man Scot Bennett, midfielders Josh Sheehan and Joss Labadie, striker Padraig Amond and goalkeeper Tom King are the candidates after strong campaigns for the club.
Over this week we will give the lowdown on those who could land the honour, which was won last season by Irish forward Amond. Today's nominee is SCOT BENNETT…
It was John Sheridan who brought the versatile Bennett to Rodney Parade, initially on loan from Notts County in October, 2015.
"He just brings that experience of knowing this division and he can play in a few positions as well," said manager Sheridan at the time in a statement that has since rung true for Warren Feeney, Graham Westley and now Michael Flynn.
Bennett has made 154 appearances for the Exiles and has been happy to slot in be it in defence or midfield.
"I've always said throughout my career that I'll play wherever I'm needed. All I want to do is help the team," he said in January after he was a makeshift full-back against Millwall at the Den.
"If I can do that playing right-back, centre-mid or wherever, I'm happy to do it."
In 2019/20 he has produced the goods whatever the role, racking up 37 outings and scoring the goal that beat Leicester Under-21s in the Leasing.com Trophy and the winner against Bradford just before the coronavirus lockdown.
Other players may grab the headlines but 29-year-old Bennett is key to County's hopes.
"Scot Bennett was probably the most consistent player through the season and his versatility was important for Michael Flynn," said Argus football writer Andrew Penman.
"He has been equally good in central midfield, defensive midfield, in the heart of the defence and his best position is probably in the middle of a back three when he can bring the ball out and start attacks.
"Bennett even filled in at right-back in the FA Cup game at Millwall without any noticeable drop in quality, so he is Mr Reliable for County and one of the key members of the squad.
"He is out of contract this summer, so I believe one of the main tasks will be to tie him down on a new deal."
Vote from the six-strong shortlist: HERE
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