Congratulations to Nathan Lowe on his nomination for Championship Apprentice of the Year.
The 18-year-old Stoke City attacker is one of three players shortlisted for the EFL’s end-of-season gala, along with Leeds United’s Archie Grey and Plymouth Argyle’s Freddie Issaka.
Lowe has broken into the Stoke first team this season, netting his first goal for the club in September to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bristol City. Days later, he earned his first senior league start at home against Southampton. He has remained with the squad, making three league starts in total, as well as eight cameo appearances off the bench.
He also earned his first England under-19s cap during that time, being called up in October, and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Sunday, April 14.
Lowe was born in Harlow to a Manchester United fan family and grew up in Bishop’s Stortford before moving to Knutsford when he was eight years old. He began playing grass roots football with Egerton Football Club and was scouted by Stoke City at the under-10 level, despite his father’s initial reservations about the benefits of academy football.
“Most people will never have heard of me because I wasn’t a standout player coming through,” he explained earlier this season. “I was almost released several times due to growth spurts. It’s an underdog story.”
“Since signing, I’ve been a Stoke fan. I certainly care about the outcome, whether I’m playing or not.”
Championship Award Shortlists
Managers of the season include Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town), Liam Rosenior (Hull City), and Daniel Farke (Leeds United).
Player of the season: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester), Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn).
Young players of the season include Archie Grey (Leeds), Jon Rowe (Norwich), and Jordan James (Birmingham).
Apprentices of the season: Archie Grey (Leeds), Freddie Issaka (Plymouth), and Nathan Lowe (Stoke).
