VOTING has started for the supporters' player of the season at Oxford United.

The Andrew Knapton Trophy will be presented before kick-off at the U’s final home game of the campaign, against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, April 27.

Ryan Ledson won last year’s award, but this edition could be tough to call with several potential candidates in the running.

To vote, visit oufc.co.uk, before 5pm on Tuesday, April 23.

LEADING CONTENDERS

  • James Henry

Herald Series:

The midfielder has scored almost twice as many goals as anyone else at United this season.

Henry's career-best haul of 14 all came before the end of January, which may hinder his claim to the prize, but the value of the strikes at a time when the side were struggling should not be forgotten.

  • Josh Ruffels

Herald Series:

Mr Consistent has made the left back role his own over the course of the season.

Fans love a homegrown player and Ruffels passed 200 appearances for the club in December.

And then there's his stoppage-time goals against Doncaster Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers...

  • Cameron Brannagan

Herald Series:

Another virtual ever-present, the midfielder has excelled in what is his first full season of regular senior football.

Only two players in the squad have scored more often than him this season - and Brannagan's haul includes long-range strikes in wins against Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth.

  • Simon Eastwood

Herald Series:

The winner of the fans' poll two seasons ago has shown exactly why he is rated so highly.

United struggled badly during the goalkeeper's absence with a nasty finger injury in the early weeks of the season and improved as soon as he returned.

  • Gavin Whyte

Herald Series:

The winger has exceeded all expectations after his summer move from semi-professional football.

He settled quickly to become a fans' favourite, with a sensational strike at Charlton Athletic the pick of his half dozen goals in a season where he has also made his Northern Ireland debut.

  • Rob Dickie

Herald Series:

Overcame a stuttering start to the season to become a big player for the U's, whose defence was key to their climb away from relegation trouble.

Still only 23, the centre back looks set to become an important figure heading into next season.

Pictures by David Fleming, Richard Parkes and Sean Hernon/PPAUK