Friday 5 September 2014 15:08, UK
Neil Adams, Kenny Jackett, Stuart Pearce and Ian Holloway are the nominees for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for August.
Pearce is in the frame after leading Nottingham Forest to the top of the table and picking up 13 points from his first five games in charge at the City Ground.
Second-placed Watford do not have a representative after boss Beppe Sannino resigned, but Jackett of Wolverhampton Wanderers is in the running after steering his side to third place with some impressive early results following their promotion from League One.
Norwich have not been beaten since the opening day and manager Adams is recognised for getting them back into fourth spot following three wins out of four.
Holloway’s Millwall are in fifth after collecting ten points from their first five fixtures to make a solid start to their promotion push.
Among the Player of the Month contenders, Forest winger Michail Antonio is joined by Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tom Cairney, Millwall defender Alan Dunne and striker Igor Vetokele of Charlton Athletic.
Here, Sky Sports take a more in-depth look at those up for the Manager of the Month gong:
Neil Adams (Norwich City)
Overcame an opening day defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers to instil belief and confidence at Carrow Road with 10 points from the next four games. Moulded his side in his image and savoured a 1-0 East Anglian derby victory at Ipswich Town.
Kenny Jackett (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Picked up where his side left off in May with four wins from five and just two goals conceded. Most impressively, they recorded 1-0 victories over Norwich City, Fulham and Cardiff City – the clubs relegated from the Premier League.
Stuart Pearce (Nottingham Forest)
Made an almost perfect return to the City Ground with a haul of 13 points from 15. Just as important as the energetic, attacking displays by his new-look strike force were the wins under pressure at Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday.
Ian Holloway (Millwall)
In tune with his club, the fans and his players, he has brought Millwall’s end of season form into this campaign with 10 points from five games. Combined entertainment with pragmatism in the 1-0 London derby victory at Fulham.
Sky Sports also casts an eye over those up for the Player of Month award:
Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) – winger
The Forest fans fell in love immediately with their new signing as he rang in the new season with three assists and three goals – two in the 4-0 win over Reading. Brought a direct running style which had been missing at Forest.
Tom Cairney (Blackburn Rovers) – midfielder
Switches between right and central midfield. His distribution and cool creativity impressed centrally, while the wing gave him more freedom to go forward. Scored two stunners from distance, including a sumptuous volley against Norwich City.
Alan Dunne (Millwall) – defender
Manager Ian Holloway moved him from full-back at the end of last season. The club captain has revelled in the central role, reading play and organising team-mates. Largely responsible for Millwall’s new-found solidity.
Igor Vetokele (Charlton Athletic) – striker
Five goals in as many games for the livewire Angola striker who offers Charlton a threat in behind defences. His finishing power was exemplified by both a low 20-yarder and a mazy run for his two goals at Brighton & Hove Albion.
