EFL have announced the Manager and Player of the Month awards winners across the three divisions for November.
Over the last three days, we have been revealing the nominations for the Championship, League One and League Two. Now we know who has come out victorious, find out below…
Championship Manager of the Month – MARCELO BIELSA (Leeds United)
? #LUFC head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been named the @SkyBetChamp Manager of the Month for November
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 13, 2019
Speaking about the award, Bielsa said: “To recognise the manager is one way to recognise everybody who is helping the team and more than help, having some impact and influence on the team, but of course what’s more important is the input of the players.
“We know that every team has different periods in the competition when you are better and worse, but it’s no coincidence [the award] comes at the moment of the competition when Leeds have a high impact.”
Danny Wilson, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “Marcelo and his Leeds team have certainly turned the heat up on their Championship promotion rivals over the last few weeks.
“Marcelo has maintained that really rewarding high-tempo game we have been accustomed to when watching his team.
“With WBA and Fulham still hot on their heels, Leeds really have the bit between their teeth, and the upcoming festive fixtures promise to be exciting and intriguing in equal measure.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman commented: “The enigmatic Argentine continues to prove that his less than conventional training methods are an inspiration to his team as they continue their brilliance where it matters, on a match day.
“Bielsa’s charges recorded five wins from five in November, shipping just two goals in the process, and along with West Bromwich Albion, have cemented themselves as Championship front-runners as we approach the busy Christmas period.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies added: “Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds come out as far and away the best team in the division on all of the important shot metrics, including expected goals and we have them as short as 4/6 with us to win the title (from 6/4 at the start of the month).
“We make them 1/10 to be promoted back to the top flight for the first time in 15 years – from 4/9 at the start of November.”
League One Manager of the Month – GARETH AINSWORTH (Wycombe)
Played four, won three, drawn one.
No goals conceded.
Gareth Ainsworth has a @SkyBetLeagueOne Manager of the Month trophy to add to the collection! pic.twitter.com/8AcRYShBIV
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 13, 2019
Ainsworth said: “It’s a really proud moment to receive this award and for us as a club to be recognised for how we’ve been performing this season. I know the award is for the manager, but it’s really for the whole team of staff around me who deserve the credit too.
“We had a great month, with some tough games, but to collect 10 points without conceding a goal was a fantastic return, and we played some really good football along the way too. Thank you to the panel who chose us to win the award and now we’re looking forward to getting back into action on Saturday after a long break with no game.
“Joe is one of the most humble guys I know. He’s been playing some of the best football of his career, and I’m really proud to have been able to give him five years at this club to enjoy longevity and be part of the culture that we’ve created.
“He’s been a phenomenal left-back for us throughout that time, and in particular this season, he’s showed what a threat his left foot can be with many brilliant assists and important goals, alongside the 11 clean sheets we’ve been able to pick up, and he thoroughly deserves his award.”
Danny Wilson, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “What an achievement for Gareth and Wycombe, especially considering the resources available to them.
“Forty points at this stage of the season is promotion form in anyone’s eyes, even though I’m sure Gareth won’t want to say it at the moment.
“Speculation around Gareth’s future earlier in the season may have derailed some clubs but his determination to push Wycombe as far as possible has certainly galvanised the team and club even more.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The Chairboys’ unbeaten league run now stretches back to mid-September, testament to the job long-term manager Gareth Ainsworth is doing at Adams Park this season.
“Wycombe’s stinginess at the back and determination to keep clean sheets is the envy of Sky Bet League One at present, with none of their four November opponents able to find the net.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “The EFL’s longest serving manager guided Wycombe to a near-perfect record in November to leave them four points clear of Ipswich at the top of League One.
“We still make Ipswich 9/4 favourites to win the league but The Chairboys are into 5/1 second-favourites from 25/1 at the start of the month – and are now 13/8 to be promoted.”
League Two Manager of the Month – RICHIE WELLENS (Swindon)
Manager of the Month. pic.twitter.com/GHGlod33Mh
— Swindon Town FC (@Official_STFC) December 13, 2019
Wellens said: “The most important thing for us in November was going unbeaten. I was frustrated to go out of the cup but in the league, we had a good run and had some good results against good sides.
“Monthly awards don’t mean too much to me because it’s only one month in the season – you could be rubbish the rest of it. We just want to take this run into the rest of December.”
Danny Wilson, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “November was a great month for Richie, his team and the Swindon faithful.
“In October, they struggled with a lot of injuries to key players, but they now look to be getting players back and hitting some rhythm.
“Richie and his experienced staff (including Paul Jewell) will know It’s too early for predictions but will take great comfort knowing they are on the front foot and their hard work is paying off.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “With three wins from three, the month could have hardly gone better for the Robins. Ritchie Wellens’ outfit are surpassing expectations at every turn, as they find themselves in pole position to claim their second Sky Bet League Two title of the decade.
“Swindon may not traditionally be a name synonymous with goals, but with two Town players currently leading the division’s scoring charts, that looks like a thing of the past.
“For Doyle, his second Player of the Month award in as many months, and this one just as deserved as the last.
“The 31-year-old frontman’s record is nothing short of extraordinary and, remarkably, Doyle is showing no signs of slowing down.
Take a look at the winners for each division’s November Player of the Month by clicking on the next page on the next page.
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