This award is for the team, says Forte

Jonathan Forte with his player of the month trophy.

JONATHAN Forte says claiming the Sky Bet League One player of the month prize for October wasn’t down simply to his own prowess.

Athletic’s 11-goal top scorer in already enjoying the most productive season of his career, netting five times in as many outings last month.

That record saw the 28 year old pip Marcus Maddison of Peterborough, Crawley’s Gwion Edwards and MK Dons defender Dean Lewington to the top prize.

“I’m very happy to get the award,” said Forte, who netted in draws at Peterborough and Chesterfield, twice in a home win over Coventry and also against visitors Bradford.

“I have to thank all the team who have helped me get it. They have been creating plenty of chances for me and, thankfully, I have been scoring.

“Last year I didn’t play at all and I just had a burning desire to play again.”

Athletic manager Lee Johnson, nominated in the manager category for a second month running, missed out on the award, which went to Preston’s Simon Grayson.