Milton Keynes Dons boss Karl Robinson has been named the Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Month for April.
Robinson guided his side through a month of crushing dominance as they closed in on the automatic promotion places.The Dons gained 19 points from a possible 21 with a 20-3 goal differential, winning five games by at least two goals.
George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “Yet again Karl has pushed MK Dons forward with a phenomenal goal difference.
“Simon Grayson’s Preston have also been in great form and it will be an interesting battle between the two of them to see who gets automatic promotion alongside Bristol City.”
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “To go seven games unbeaten at any stage of the season is a tough ask.
“But to do it in the final month of the season is an incredible achievement when you consider the immense pressure.
“Karl is to be commended for the run that has taken the promotion race to the Sky Bet Championship down to the final day.
“The stand out results from the month were the 3-0 victories against Swindon, Fleetwood and Doncaster as well as the 6-1 victory over Leyton Orient.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “At the start of the month it looked like automatic promotion was out of reach for MK Dons.
“Robinson’s team have responded though, scoring 20 goals and keeping five clean sheets in seven to keep the pressure on Preston and the dream of automatic is still alive going into the final weekend.
“If they don’t finish top two then they will certainly be the team that everyone will be afraid of going into this year’s Play-Offs given their blistering April form.”
The judging panel for the Sky Bet Manager of the Month is chaired by former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, along with Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.