Carlisle United midfielder Jordan Gibson has won the PFA League One Fans’ Player of the Month award for October.
Somewhat of a shock given the Cumbrians’ league position, Gibson would beat Alfie May, Jordan Rhodes, Ephron Mason-Clark, Colby Bishop and Conor O’Shaughnessy to win October’s award.
However the award is fully deserved with Gibson becoming somewhat of a rose amongst thorns currently, providing five of Carlisle’s six league goals in October.
His goal contributions were vital in helping the Cumbrian side gain seven points from a possible 18 in October, and without him, they’d certainly be further down the table.
Gibson opened his account for the month with a last-gasp equaliser at home to Peterborough in what would be Carlisle’s only shot on target. His goalscoring form then continued in what has to be one of the upsets of the month in the Blues shock 3-1 win away at Bolton.
The 25-year-old very much carried the team on his shoulders that day, scoring all three and getting his first career hat-trick in the process. That win against Bolton is Carlisle’s only away win this season and manager Paul Simpson will be hoping for some more sparks from Gibson to really get the ball rolling.
Gibson’s final goal of the month came when he scored the equaliser against Burton, that goal would turn the game on it’s head, with Carlisle running out as eventual winners.
Although always thought of highly, one part of the game that Gibson has somewhat struggled with is his goalscoring. His recent form has proved that is no longer a problem and he’s really shone for Carlisle this season.
Taking the step-up to League One in his stride, Gibson has made a serious early case for the club’s Player of the Season, and although somewhat in the shadows at points in their promotion season, is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
Given Carlisle’s positioning in the League One table compared to that of Portsmouth, Charlton, Blackpool and Peterborough it really showcases just how influential Gibson has been.
Speaking after winning the award for the first time in his career, Gibson said:
“It’s always nice to win awards like these and this one is extra special because the fans have voted and helped me win it.
“The hat-trick at Bolton in front of that amazing away support was obviously the highlight and hopefully we can build towards putting on more positive performances during the rest of the season.”
Blues fans will be hoping for more standout performances from the 25-year-old this season as they look to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Writer’s View
It is great to see a player in a struggling side win a monthly award and shows the high standard that Gibson has been playing at recently. The rest of the team certainly need to step up however if Carlisle want to ascend the table.
The potential over reliance on key players such as Jordan Gibson and Owen Moxon could potentially be harming the Cumbrians, Simpson will be wanting to see improvements for the rest of the team, and if that does happen, a pick up in form would not come as a surprise.
Senior Editor
