The EFL have now announced the candidates for the League One Manager/Player of the Month Awards for December.
Four managers find themselves shortlisted following the December fixtures of the League One season, so battling for the next Manager award of 2017/18 are:
League One Manager of the Month nominees:
Derek Adams (Plymouth Argyle)
Trusted in his methods even after his side`s poor start following promotion. December began with Argyle bottom of League One. Eleven points from five unbeaten games later and they ended it four points clear of the relegation zone.
Paul Hurst (Shrewsbury Town)
Two defeats in November said that Shrewsbury couldn`t maintain their autumn form. That wisdom ignored the togetherness Hurst has fostered in his players and 11 points from five unbeaten games kept them in the top two.
Kenny Jackett (Portsmouth)
Four wins from five matches propelled Jackett`s team into the play-off positions. Winning consistently at Fratton Park has proved difficult for Pompey in recent seasons, but Jackett has taken the fear factor away from his players.
Paul Warne (Rotherham United)
Warne`s men were one of the busiest teams in League One and hauled themselves back into the promotion picture as a result. Away wins at Blackpool, Bury and Walsall underpinned their total of 13 points from six games.
A shortlist of four has also been selected for the Player of the Month award:
Dan Burn (Wigan Athletic)
The mainstay of a Wigan defence which went through the whole of December without conceding a goal. Dominant in the air and willing to pick a pass, he also found time to score with a trademark header in the 2-0 win over Fleetwood.
Andy Butler (Doncaster Rovers)
Seems to be improving with age at his hometown club. Led the defence by example with a superb goal-line clearance against Oldham and then headed Rovers in front in the same game – one of two goals he scored in December.
Bradley Dack (Blackburn Rovers)
His three goals in the month included a delightful solo effort to rescue a point at Northampton, but it was Dack`s classy and dynamic play throughout which stood out. That included an amazing dribble past five players against Rochdale.
Jack Marriott (Peterborough United)
Five goals in five games, including two at Bradford, and a second nomination this season for the goal poacher. Always in the right place, his coolness in front of goal makes chances look easy that would be difficult for others.
The winners will be announced on Friday January 12 and the judging panels are variously made up of former Ipswich Town gaffer George Burley, Sky Sports’ Don Goodman, EFL marketing director Drew Barrand, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL trader Mikey Mumford.
