Rochdale Football Club is delighted to announce that Jake Beesley has been named as the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for December.
The forward scored four goals and assisted another in just three games, scoring twice against both Bristol Rovers and Newport County.
Those goals helped him become the first Dale player to score four braces in the first half of a league season since Rickie Lambert in the 2005/06 campaign.
"It’s great to win it," said Beesley.
"I have to thank my teammates for all their help in the games.
"It was a bit of a shock because you don’t really think about individual awards, especially mid-season, but it’s always nice to win things.
"It shows that you’re doing well and doing a good job for the team, so it was nice to hear that I’ve won it.
"I felt confident going into games and it’s always nice to score. I feel like I’m always working hard for the team and even when I don’t score, I feel like I’m bringing other things to the game. As a striker you are judged on your goals, so it’s good to start putting them away regularly."
Manager Robbie Stockdale said: "I’m really pleased for Jake.
"I’m sure he will say it’s a collective effort and that it’s the team that have helped him win the award, but it’s really nice when one of your players earns an individual award because it means he’s playing well and scoring goals.
"What Jake offers us is really important for the team, but ultimately he’s in the team to score goals. Thankfully now he’s hit good form and he’s taking a lot of those chances. Long may that continue."
The 25-year-old beat off competition from John-Joe O’Toole (Mansfield Town), Jay Spearing (Tranmere Rovers) and Matt Stevens (Forest Green Rovers) to win the award.
Congratulations, Jake!