Monday 7 April 2014 13:18, UK
Paul Dickov, Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe and Nigel Pearson are the contenders for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for March.
Dickov has helped to guide Doncaster Rovers away from relegation danger, while Dyche has Burnley pushing for automatic promotion.
Pearson’s Leicester City continue to lead the way, and are fast closing on a return to the Premier League, and there is a chance that they could be joined by Howe’s Bournemouth as a fine run of form has lifted them to within touching distance of the play-off places.
The Cherries also have a representative in the Player of the Month category, with full-back Simon Francis seeing his efforts recognised.
Ipswich Town defender Christophe Berra is another in the running, along with prolific Watford striker Troy Deeney and Queens Park Rangers’ on-loan midfielder Ravel Morrison.
Sky Sports here considers the managerial nominations.
Paul Dickov (Doncaster Rovers)
Dickov inspired his side’s confident climb away from the relegation places with a 13-point haul. Rovers enjoyed a perfect home record during March, and three Yorkshire derby wins over Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.
Sean Dyche (Burnley)
Five wins and a draw from seven games disguise the fact that Dyche was without the services of the influential Danny Ings and Kieran Trippier for half of March. The highlight for the fans was the 2-1 win at fierce rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)
Howe masterminded a remarkable late charge towards the play-offs with six wins and a draw from eight matches - five of which were away from home. Gave his players licence to attack from the solid base of five clean sheets.
Nigel Pearson (Leicester City)
Another stellar month which left his team on the cusp of automatic promotion. As important as the crucial 2-0 win at Burnley, and a haul of 14 points, was their ability to come from behind to gain points against Blackpool and Yeovil Town.
Sky Sports also considers what those players in the running for the monthly prize achieved in March.
Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town)
He scored two winning goals - one at Yeovil Town and a last-minute headed winner against Derby County. But it was Berra’s brilliance at the back which really stood out. Contributed to three clean sheets with his aerial dominance and vital interceptions.
Troy Deeney (Watford)
Six goals in six games for the prolific forward, whose ability to make space in tight areas drives defenders to distraction. Scored two against Blackpool and another brace at Sheffield Wednesday, one with the cheekiest of finishes.
Simon Francis (AFC Bournemouth)
The long-striding right-back played his full part in the five clean sheets kept by the Bournemouth defence. He also contributed going forward and was outstanding with a hat-trick of fine assists in the 4-1 victory over Leeds United.
Ravel Morrison (Queens Park Rangers)
He appears inspired by his move from the Premier League. He has accepted it as a challenge and responded with assists and five goals, all of them sweetly struck, including a fabulous free-kick in the 2-0 win at Birmingham City.
