Hartlepool United player of the season Rhys Oates reacts following goal in front of 1,700 supporters against Weymouth

The 26-year-old netted his 14th goal of the campaign to end the regular season as Pools’ top scorer in front of 1,700 supporters at Victoria Park. Following the full-time whistle, Oates was announced as the fans’ player and players’ player of the 2020-21 season for Pools.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said following the game. “It’s been a great season all around, I didn’t have a good year last year, I was injured for six months and didn’t really play much.

"The gaffer gave me the opportunity this year to come back and show what I am capable of and it’s all worked perfectly.”

And Oates was particularly proud to be voted as player of the season by his teammates.

"The awards all mean a lot to win,” he continued. “I think the player’s player, you train day in day out and everyone sees what you’re about and know how hard people work.

"To get that from the players with them seeing the work I’ve put in this year, that’s amazing.”

Reflecting on the return of supporters and the feeling of scoring in front of them at Victoria Park, Oates added: “I’ve done it before and I know how they react to scoring.

"They’re really good fans and they’ll get behind you. As long as you start well they’ll get behind you all game and we did well to start well. To get a goal just tops it off.”

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