Friday 10 April 2015 13:59, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has claimed the Championship manager of the month award for the second time this season.
Howe has steered his side back to the top of the standings as one of the most competitive seasons in years reaches a critical phase. He previously took the prize in October.
Bournemouth stormed back to the top of the table in March with 13 points from five games and a 15-3 goal differential, including a 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Middlesbrough.
George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “Eddie has done a fantastic job this season. Not only has he taken Bournemouth to within reach of automatic promotion, but he has developed a style of play which is terrific to watch. March was another great month with 13 points from five matches."
Troy Deeney took the players’ award after he helped re-ignite Watford’s own promotion hopes, scoring five goals as many games to take his season's tally to 19.
There was a clean sweep of the League One honours for Bristol City with Steve Cotterill and Aden Flint the winners.
City won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley while maintaining their push for promotion to the Championship with 14 points in their six league games.
Centre-back Flint scored three goals to take his tally for the season to nine while also contributing to three clean sheets in six games.
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Bristol City’s relentless run towards the Championship continues. They were given a 2/5 chance of lifting the title at the start of the month, and are now all but promoted, being priced at 1/7."
The League Two accolades were shared by Wycombe Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town in the shape of Gareth Ainsworth and Bobby Grant respectively.
Despite a tough-looking run of fixtures in March, Wycombe went unbeaten and claimed 16 points to remain on course for automatic promotion while Grant’s five goals have kept Shrewsbury on course for promotion.
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Ainsworth’s Wycombe side had a fantastic March. Despite already losing twice in April, they are still looking good for an automatic promotion place – testament to the brilliant season they have had.”
