SAMMIE Szmodics claimed the Championship Golden Boot after finishing an incredible season in fitting style.

The former Colchester United favourite scored two second-half goals in Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 win at champions Leicester City, as his side retained their second-tier status.

Szmodics, a former pupil at Stanway School, scooped the Golden Boot award after finishing the campaign with 27 league goals, an amazing achievement in a team that has battled against relegation.

Writing on social media, Szmodics said: 'Just wanna say a massive thankyou. Thankyou to players staff and fans. Without you we’re nothing. We did that today for you. Thankyou to my amazing family for always sticking by me. Now time For a well earned rest and to go again next year. Enjoy your summer. Szmods'

Blackburn boss John Eustace said: "Sammie's been amazing, every team needs a goalscorer, he's been sensational.

"His work-rate and endeavour - when you work as hard as he does you get results.

"His enthusiasm has been great. It doesn't matter where he plays, he's very clinical."

Szmodics was voted Blackburn's player of the year and players' player of the year, following a superb campaign.

The 28-year-old is the first player to score 30 or more goals for Blackburn in a season since 1995-1996 when Alan Shearer achieved that feat by scoring 31 in the Premier League and five in League Cup games, that season.

Szmodics joined Blackburn from Peterborough United in August, 2022 and has now made 76 appearances for them in all competitions.

The former U's academy player scored a total of 40 times in 165 appearances for his home town club Colchester, between 2013 and 2019.

Szmodics, now a Republic of Ireland international, twice finished as the U's top scorer, during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The ex-U's favourite ended his 16-year association with his home town club when he joined Championship side Bristol City, in the summer of 2019.