George Boyd is on the shortlist for the October Player of the Month.
With three months completed the season is taking shape and with October now over, it is time to reward the month’s standout performers, both in the dugout and on the pitch.
Football League sponsors npower are proud to reveal the nominations for both the npower Championship Manager and Player of the Month Awards for October. The winners will be announced on Friday 16th November 2012, with the final decision being made by two separate Football League judging panels.
The Manager of the Month award is decided by former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers Association Deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and npower Sponsorship Manager Emma Collins. The Player of the Month panel sees Emma Collins joined by Wolves legend Don Goodman, BBC Sport’s Mark Clemmit and The Football League’s Head of Communications, John Nagle.
The nominations for the npower Championship Manager of the Month Award for October are:
Kenny Jackett (Millwall)
After a slow start, Kenny Jackett’s Millwall showed massive improvement in October, going unbeaten in all five fixtures. After finishing the month with a dominant 4-0 victory against Huddersfield Town, the fans at the New Den will be feeling much more hopeful for the season.
Tony Mowbray (Middlesbrough)
With four wins and a draw achieved from their five October fixtures, Tony Mowbray enjoyed a fantastic month and Middlesbrough fans may be beginning to dream of a return to the top flight. With their great form in the league also supported by a fine cup run, Middlesbrough look to be a club well in the ascendancy.
Sean O’Driscoll (Nottingham Forest)
With three wins and two draws in October, Sean O’Driscoll’s Nottingham Forest finished the month in seventh place and look primed for an assault on the Play-off positions. A spectacular 4-1 away win at Barnsley capped off a great month for O’Driscoll, whose other wins included a prolific 3-1 win against high-flying Cardiff City and a 1-0 away win at Peterborough United.
The nominations for the npower Championship Player of the Month Award for October are:
Charlie Austin (Burnley) - striker
Currently the most prolific striker in Europe, Austin scored seven goals in October, the highlight being a 20-yard strike which completed his hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. He’s been delighting Turf Moor fans with his wonderful movement in the box and clinical finishing.
George Boyd (Peterborough United) - midfielder
After a spell out of the team, George Boyd bounced back with a series of smooth midfield passing displays in October and three goals, which included a marvellous dipping half-volley from the halfway line in the 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.
Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers) – central defender
The commanding Scot enjoyed a stellar October, helping Rovers to three clean sheets in four matches. His physicality helped form a strong partnership with Scott Dann, while he also scored the winner against Sheffield Wednesday.
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