Luton midfielder named League One Player of the Month but Wilshere misses out

Luton’s on-loan Hull City midfielder Kasey Palmer has been named as the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for April.

The 29-year-old, who moved to Kenilworth Road from the Tigers in January, capped an impressive loan spell in Bedfordshire with five goals in five starts during the month, including bagging a double in the 2-0 victory at Rotherham United, also finding the net against AFC Wimbledon, Mansfield Town and a late winner in the 2-1 success over Barnsley.

On his award, Palmer, whom Luton supporters are desperate to see sign permanently in the summer, following his eight goals in 23 outings overall, with one assist, said: “It’s been a memorable month for so many reasons, but to go on an unbeaten run as we did and take the play-off push to the very last seconds of the season was a credit to everyone at the club. I’ve loved every moment of my loan and April was the month in which everything clicked into gear. I’ve enjoyed contributing with goals and assists but I was only a small part of a great overall effort by the whole team and staff.”

Meanwhile, on the Jamaican international, Hatters manager Jack Wilshere continued: “We all love Kasey and what he brings to the environment, not just on the pitch but off it, too. He has led by example with his performances and creativity, and the goals were an added bonus. He came up with them at important times, like his two at Rotherham and the winner against Barnsley to take us into the final day with something to aim for, and we’re proud that he’s enjoyed the most prolific spell of his football career with us.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Kasey Palmer made a real difference to the second half of Luton’s season and very nearly helped them grab the final Play Off place in League One. He had a real impact in front of goal in April, with five goals and an assist.”

Finally, Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies added: “Luton came into the season as one of the pre-season favourites but a disappointing start to the campaign left them with plenty of ground to make up in the race for the play-offs. However, thanks in large part to the standout performances of Kasey Palmer, Luton finally found their rhythm late in the season and mounted a strong push during April. Palmer was at the centre of that revival, contributing five goals and one assist across the month as the Hatters surged up the table.”

Wilshere himself was nominated for the League One Manager of the Month award for April, but lost out to Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala, despite an identical record of taking 16 points from a possible 18. Pundit Goodman added: “It can be natural for a team who have secured promotion and the title to slow down in the final games of the season, but this wasn’t the case for Michael Skubala and Lincoln, who never let their standards slip. They picked up 16 points from a possible 18 and were relentless again throughout April.”