South Shields midfielder Toby Onanaye has been named as National League North player of the month for October.

South Shields FC midfielder Toby Onanaye has revealed his pride after he was named as National League North player of the month for October.

The former Leicester City youngster has enjoyed a positive introduction to life at Mariners Park - but he really came into the fore within Mike Williamson’s side last month with a string of impressive performances. Onanaye netted his first goal for the club in an FA Cup third qualifying round win at Buxton during the first week of the month and also found the net in league wins against Chester and Oxford City as Williamson’s men ended the month on top of the table.

Toby Onanaye celebrates the win for South Shields. | Kev Wilson

placeholder image — Toby Onanaye celebrates the win for South Shields. | Kev Wilson

The impact made by the 20-year-old led to him being named as the North Division player of the month - although Onanaye preferred to focus on team performance rather than individual plaudits.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy second round tie at league rivals Worksop Town, he told the club website: “I’m really grateful and really happy to win the award. I think it’s more a reflection of how the team is doing. I think we really kicked into gear this month, but on a personal note, I’m proud to have won this award.”

‘He deserves all of the praise’

South Shields manager Mike Williamson (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Mariners boss Williamson has already spoken of his delight over how Onanaye has developed since joining the Mariners in the aftermath of his departure from Leicester during the summer months.

Williamson’s insisted Onanaye’s willingness to learn means he can continue improving and making an impact on and off the pitch as his side continue their promotion push over the coming weeks and months.

Speaking to The Gazette earlier this month, the former Newcastle United defender said: He said: “He deserves all of the praise and the accolades because he works so hard and he wants to learn. He’s in the meeting room all of the time, asking questions, watching his clips back, doing extras with Harra after training. He has so many areas to get better and that’s not being disrespectful but you can see his athleticism, his willingness and he’s on form at the minute at the top end of the pitch so long may it continue.”

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