Jack Hinshelwood said that he felt ‘lucky’ to be voted the Albion men’s young player of the season because “because in this team we’ve got so many young players who could have won this award.” But to most fans, the choice was a simple one.
For a Sussex-born, home-grown player to come through the ranks and claim a regular Premier League place is still highly unusual, and to fill an unfamiliar fullback role with distinction even more so.
Then there were his three goals, all scored against London clubs at the Amex, and all followed by post-match celebrations that the North Stand lapped up.
“I’m very grateful for this award,” he said. “The fans, players, and especially the gaffer, who gave me my first opportunity, I can’t thank them all enough.”
Had he not suffered an ankle injury in February, he would certainly have added to his 12 first-team starts. But he still regards his first full season as a success.
“From the age of eight, when I joined the club, it would have been in the back of my mind as a dream, not something that I expected to achieve,” he said. "Opportunities don’t get given out so often so you have to take them by the scruff of the neck and make the most of them.”
His first start, though, at Villa Park, did not quite hint at what was to come as the team suffered a 6-1 defeat. “My first start at Villa was not what we wanted as a team and definitely not what I wanted personally,” he said.
“I really had to work hard after that to gain another opportunity. When it came along I really had to grab it and try to get a regular place.”
When he returned to the starting eleven, in the Europa League tie away to AEK Athens, it was at full-back rather than the central midfield berth in which he had captioned the under-21s. But he took to it as if he had played there all his life.
“The gaffer makes roles for everyone so no-one feels uncomfortable on the pitch and I most certainly didn’t,” Jack explained. “I thoroughly enjoyed the role the gaffer made for me. I could use my attributes, get on the ball in the middle of the pitch but also get forward and score goals. So he really did make a perfect role for me.
His personal highlight so far is his goal in the 4-1 home victory over Crystal Palace. “It’s an obvious one but as a fan growing up there’s no greater feeling than scoring against Palace. At the same time, massive respect for them because my granddad played a lot of games for them but when you’re at this football club, you want to beat them.”
Jack’s aim now is to be clear of his ankle injury and he is raring to go again next season. “I’m working my socks off to get back and pre-season can’t come soon enough for me,” he said. “I can’t wait to pull on that shirt and play again.”