Jay Stansfield Headlines League One PFA Player of the Year Nominees After Historic Birmingham Season

Six-Man Shortlist Features Standout Stars from Birmingham, Leyton Orient, Wycombe, Barnsley and Peterborough

In a season where records tumbled and heroes emerged, the shortlist for the League One PFA Player of the Year offers a snapshot of the talent that lit up England’s third tier. Leading the way is Birmingham City’s £20 million forward Jay Stansfield, whose sparkling form helped propel the Blues straight back to the Championship with a record-breaking haul of 111 points.

Stansfield, still only 21, is joined on the six-man list by his Birmingham teammate Tomoki Iwata, while Leyton Orient’s sharpshooter Charlie Kelman, Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku, Wycombe’s Richard Kone and Barnsley’s Davis Keillor-Dunn complete a fiercely competitive selection.

It’s a group that not only represents excellence on the pitch, but also a range of journeys—from top-flight loanees to non-league success stories—all culminating in the kind of season dreams are made of.

Jay Stansfield: Record Fee, Record Points, and Now a Major Nomination

Wycombe Wanderers league FC v Barnsley FC Stansfield 

When Birmingham City forked out a club-record £20 million to bring Jay Stansfield in from Fulham last summer, eyebrows were raised. Would the youngster live up to the billing in the rugged world of League One football? Would the pressure of being the marquee signing prove too much?

As it turned out, he didn’t just live up to expectations—he redefined them.

Stansfield netted 19 times in the league, many of those goals decisive in Birmingham’s charge towards the title. Whether it was a last-minute winner on a rainy Tuesday night or a piece of individual brilliance in front of a packed St Andrew’s, Stansfield delivered with a swagger that belied his age.

His influence stretched far beyond goals. His movement, his link-up play, and his sheer energy made him the heartbeat of a team that steamrolled the division. In a league where margins are tight and battles are fierce, he brought quality and calm in equal measure.

It’s no surprise, then, that he’s considered the front-runner for the PFA’s top individual honour.

Tomoki Iwata: The Engine Room Behind Birmingham’s Brilliance

While Stansfield took the headlines, Tomoki Iwata quietly went about becoming one of the most influential midfielders in the league.

The Japanese international, on loan from Celtic, was the metronome of Birmingham’s midfield. Disciplined in possession, tireless without the ball, and technically gifted, Iwata dictated the tempo of matches with an elegance rarely seen in the third tier.

He played in 43 league games, rarely dipping below an 8/10 performance. Whether shielding the back four or driving the team forward, Iwata’s consistency and control were key ingredients in Birmingham’s historic season.

Charlie Kelman: Leyton Orient’s Goal Machine

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Over in East London, Charlie Kelman was making plenty of noise of his own. The 23-year-old striker found the net 23 times for Leyton Orient, guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish and cementing his reputation as one of the most natural finishers in the division.

Kelman, who spent time in the Championship with QPR earlier in his career, looked every bit the complete forward this season—strong in the air, quick across the ground, and clinical in the box. He scored in bursts, including two hat-tricks, and was the kind of player defenders dreaded facing.

Orient may not have challenged for promotion, but Kelman’s individual brilliance earned him a deserved place on the shortlist.

Davis Keillor-Dunn: Barnsley’s Creative Spark

Barnsley may have fallen short in their push for promotion, but Davis Keillor-Dunn was a constant highlight at Oakwell. The attacking midfielder, who notched up 18 goals, combined flair and productivity in equal measure.

What made Keillor-Dunn stand out was his versatility—equally effective drifting in from wide areas or playing behind the striker. He was Barnsley’s go-to man in tight situations and came up with several key goals when it mattered most.

For a team still in transition, Keillor-Dunn was a beacon of reliability and invention. His inclusion on this list feels like a nod not just to stats, but to style.

Kwame Poku: Positional Versatility and Pure Impact at Peterborough

Peterborough United are renowned for unearthing attacking gems, and Kwame Poku continued that tradition in style. In just 27 appearances this season, the Ghanaian international racked up 20 goal involvements—a remarkable return that showcases both his efficiency and effectiveness.

Whether deployed out wide or in a central role, Poku always looked a threat. Quick, direct, and intelligent with his decision-making, he was a nightmare for defenders.

Injury disrupted part of his campaign, but his numbers were so strong that he still earned a spot among the elite six. It’s not hard to see why Posh fans are desperate for him to stay amid growing interest from higher divisions.

Richard Kone: From Non-League to League One Star

Perhaps the most heartwarming story on the list belongs to Wycombe Wanderers’ Richard Kone.

Signed from non-league side Athletic Newham, few could have predicted the impact the Ivorian striker would have in his first professional season. Yet here he is, with 18 league goals to his name and a place among League One’s finest.

Kone plays with a rawness and hunger that only adds to his effectiveness. He’s strong, fast, and fearless—everything you’d want from a traditional number nine. But there’s subtlety to his game too. His hold-up play and finishing technique have improved rapidly, and his rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

In a division where money often dictates success, Kone is proof that the right attitude and talent can take you just as far.

When Will the Winner Be Announced?

The winner of the PFA League One Player of the Year award will be revealed at the prestigious PFA Awards ceremony, held at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, August 19.

The night promises to be a celebration of English football’s brightest talents, with awards also being handed out in the Premier League, Women’s Super League, Championship, and League Two. Several Young Player of the Year accolades will also be awarded, as well as recognition for outstanding contributions to the game.

For the six men nominated from League One, it will be a fitting stage on which to crown a season that brought passion, progress, and in many cases, promotion.

As for who will walk away with the trophy? That remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the shortlist reflects a league packed with talent, ambition, and stories worth telling.