Sky Bet Championship: Bournemouth duo nominated for October awards

Bournemouth’s impressive run of form has been recognised in the Sky Bet Championship awards for October with manager Eddie Howe and striker Callum Wilson nominated.

Howe has gone on to guide his side to the top of the table, helped by four straight victories during the month, with Wilson scoring five goals in those games.

The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.

The Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month nominees for October are...

Gary Bowyer (Blackburn Rovers)

Led Rovers to eight points from four unbeaten games, including an impressive 3-1 win away at Nottingham Forest. Has built a side full of attacking intent, but with a solid base. Just two goals conceded in the month.

Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)

Howe’s belief in high-tempo attacking football brought four wins out of four and a 14-1 goal differential, including the historic 8-0 win at Birmingham City which lifted Bournemouth into the Play-Off positions.

Chris Powell (Huddersfield Town)

Instilled belief and resilience in his new side, guiding them to nine points in an unbeaten month that included trips to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town. His masterstroke to bring in Grant Holt on loan has reinvigorated the Terriers attack.

Kit Symons (Fulham)

Deservedly earned himself the full-time job at Craven Cottage. Lifting Fulham out of the relegation zone with attacking play which brought eight goals and three clean sheets in three home games and 10 points overall.

The Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month nominees for October are...

Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) – winger

While other Forest players dipped, Antonio maintained his superb form in October, making telling contributions in every game with three goals, most notably his two at Watford – a powerful individual run and a back post header.

David Forde (Millwall) – goalkeeper

Kept three clean sheets in a unbeaten month for Millwall which included away games at Derby County and Wigan Athletic. He also pulled off an outstanding double save against Cardiff City, as well as organising an ever-changing defence in front of him.

Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) – midfielder

Scored in each of his four October games – an impressive return for a wide midfielder. His free-kick in the 3-3 draw at Millwall was the highlight, while his skilful driving runs helped create chances for others.

Callum Wilson (AFC Bournemouth) - striker

Five goals in four games for the dynamic forward who has made a seamless step up from League 1. As impressive as his finishing prowess is the ability to score important goals, including both when down to 10 men in the win at Bolton Wanderers.

The winners will be announced on Friday.