Friday 10 October 2014 10:43, UK
Ipswich Town’s Mick McCarthy and Tyrone Mings are the Sky Bet Championship Manager and Player of the Month for September.
McCarthy wins the award after securing an impressive 13 points from a possible 15, which has pushed them up the table and into sixth place.
Town defender Mings has been crucial to Ipswich’s September success, with the 21-year-old offering an attacking threat alongside his defensive qualities.
The judging panel for the awards comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, Football League Head of Communications John Nagle, League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.
In Sky Bet League One, Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill has been named Manager of the Month after he lifted his side four points clear at the top of the table, while Chesterfield’s Eoin Doyle picks up the Player of the Month award.
The Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award goes to Southend United boss Phil Brown, while Luton Town defender Luke Wilkinson is the Player of the Month.
Here, Sky Sports takes a more in-depth look at the award winners...
Championship Manager of the Month: Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town)
A superb September has seen McCarthy’s side fly up the table, having secured four wins and one draw from five games while conceding just two goals in the process.
After impressing in both attack and defence throughout the month, Goodman believes a play-off push is a real possibility for the Tractor Boys.
“Mick and his team were on a bit of a charge in September,” the former Wolves striker said.
“They certainly have goals in them, and it's given them a platform and the belief to mount a genuine Play-Off challenge.”
Sky Bet’s Lowery added: “Ipswich’s march up the table has prompted us to slash their price for the title from 33/1 at the beginning of September to 16/1. And we make the tractor Boys 5/1 for promotion.”
Championsip Player of the Month: Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town)
Following the departure of full-back Aaron Cresswell to West Ham in the summer, Mings has shown he’s an able deputy by securing Ipswich’s second award of the month.
The highly-rated defender, who assisted goals at Brighton and Wigan, has received lofty praise from his manager who’s delighted with his performances so far.
“Crystal Palace made a big offer for him before the transfer window closed but we want him here for the long term,” McCarthy said.
“He’s a young, exciting player who has made a lot of progress in his time here and it’s great to see that his form has been noticed with this award.
“We’ve acknowledged that as a club too, which is why we offered him a long term deal. He’s done great.”
Goodman has also lauded the Ipswich man, saying: “This flying full-back is showing, at 21, an athleticism and attitude that is great to see.
“He can defend and he can create for his team. No wonder top-flight clubs were courting him.”
League One Manager of the Month: Steve Cotterill (Bristol City)
September was a superb month for City, with Cotterill’s side securing four wins and a draw to cement their place at the summit of League One.
Having scored three goals on four occasions, Goodman has praised Cotterill’s tactics as the Robins aim to return to the Championship at the second time of asking.
“Steve is a character whose methods have inspired his team to great things in the opening quarter of the season,” said Goodman.
“Twelve goals in three matches is no fluke. It is the result of a manager making his game plan crystal clear, and his players delivering it.”
League One Player of the Month: Eoin Doyle (Chesterfield)
After scoring seven goals in four games – including back-to-back hat-tricks – Doyle has helped fire his side up into sixth place in League Two.
His attacking threat and willingness to chase lost causes makes him a favourite with the Spireites faithful, while manager Paul Cook has reserved special praise for the Irishman.
"I am delighted that Eoin's excellent form has been recognised in this way," Cook said.
“He fully deserves the award as he always works hard for the team, which is something we all appreciate."
League Two Manager of the Month: Phil Brown (Southend United)
It’s been a September to remember for Southend, with Brown guiding his side up into third place after securing four successive wins.
After last season’s agonising play-off semi-final defeat to Burton Albion, Goodman believes that United will remain near the top of League Two for the remainder of the season.
Goodman said: “I expected Southend to mount a serious promotion challenge after the disappointment of losing in the Play-Offs last season.
“You have to give a lot of credit to Phil – he has calmly turned the Shrimpers into a formidable unit that I believe can stay the course.”
Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month: Luke Wilkinson (Luton Town)
The Hatters did not concede a goal with Wilkinson in the side in September – a statistic that has earned him the Player of the Month gong.
After recovering from a back injury, the centre-back has been superb for Luton and bagged a goal in their 2-0 win over Oxford United on September 27.
“Luke has done tremendously since joining us and his form is testament to a fantastic attitude.
“The defence as a whole has been magnificent but I still think you’re yet to see the best of Luke Wilkinson.”
Sky Bet’s Lowery added: “It would have been 100/1 for Luton to have kept clean sheets in each of the four games in which Luke Wilkinson played, but that’s exactly what they did.”
