The nominations for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for November 2016.
Steve Bruce (Aston Villa)Not only has he infused his new charges with confidence, he has renewed the bond between players and fans. November was the month in which he led Villa into the top half of the table with seven points from three games.
Owen Coyle (Blackburn Rovers)
His side’s performances in beating Brentford and then ending leaders Newcastle’s unbeaten run proved that his public confidence in his playing squad was well placed. Rovers moved out of the bottom three in the process.
Steve McClaren (Derby County)
The phrase ‘never go back’ clearly means nothing to McClaren who has breezed back into Derby with a swagger that his team has adopted. Nine points from a possible nine in the month lifted them back into the promotion picture.
Jaap Stam (Reading)
What began hesitantly in August and September turned into a flow in November with three wins from three games and an 8-1 goal differential as Stam’s footballing principles took root in Berkshire, taking Reading into the top three.
The winner will be announced on Friday.