Watford striker nominated for annual award (From This Is Local London)

Bernard Mensah's year keeps getting better as the Watford striker is nominated for an annual award

5:44pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in Latest Sport By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Bernard Mensah’s year continues to get better after the young Watford striker was shortlisted for the League Football Education (LFE) Championship Apprentice of the Year Award.

Mensah signed his second professional contract in January, which will expire in 2016, despite still being classed as a second-year scholar.

The lively striker’s 15 goals this season have helped Watford Under-18s reach the top of the Youth Alliance South East division and Youth Alliance Cup semi-final.

Mensah is up against Dimitar Evtimar of Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town’s Duane Holmes for the award and the winner will be announced at the Football League Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 24.

Speaking recently, Mensah told Watford’s Academy Newsletter: “There were no doubts at all about me signing for this club. I owe the club and the Academy sta¬ff a huge amount for their help. They’ve looked out for me since I was 11, I owe a lot to them.

“Hopefully I can push on towards the first team. As a player you want to be more involved with the first-team, come o¬ff the bench or even get a start. Just to be in a travelling squad will be good. I’ve been involved in a few reserve squads already, hopefully that will continue and I can get some goals and impress the ga¬ffer.

“It’s an exciting time at the club, and I am looking forward to being part of it as I love being part of this setup.”

Mensah is following in the footsteps of Adam Thompson, Lee Hodson and Ross Jenkins, among others, in being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award.

The winner will be decided by a panel which will include influential members of the media, sports industry figures and representatives of The Football League and its partners.