Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September.
Karanka masterminded a perfect month on Teesside as Boro affirmed their pre-season status as promotion favourites by winning all four games, with a 10-2 goal differential.They did so with the flair that swept them to a 3-0 victory over Leeds United.
Karanka said: “It’s amazing for me. I’ve been a manager here for two years and we have this award again.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the staff, the players, the people at the club, and the supporters. Without them all it would be impossible.
“September was a good month for us, winning those games, but we have to keep going in the same way and keep working.”
George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “After the disappointment of losing the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final last season, Aitor has kept the momentum of his side moving forward.
“They have had a great month winning all four games and are looking like a side which is capable of going a stage further this season.”
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Karanka’s Boro have coped with the pressure of being favourites for promotion and have finished the month just two points behind leaders Brighton.
“He will be hoping the team can carry on this form into October and beyond as they mount a title challenge.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Karanka’s Boro went perfect in the month of September; scoring multiple goals in each of their victories.
“The Spaniard recently reached 100 games at Boro and has impressively won more than half of those matches.”
The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Ipswich Town boss George Burley, Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.