The nominations for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for December.
Steve Evans (Leeds United)Beginning to instil his passion into the Leeds players, leading them through an unbeaten December in which they picked up 12 points from six games. The momentum started with a 2-1 victory over Yorkshire rivals Hull City.
Aitor Karanka (Middlesbrough)
Karanka’s side took 13 points from five games in December – all against promotion rivals - and recorded a 7-0 goal differential. His shrewd tactics were in evidence as Boro ended Brighton & Hove Albion's 21-match unbeaten start.
Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town)
Four victories in six games, three of them away from home, maintained the Ipswich promotion push. McCarthy’s nous and unflappable calmness after a defeat are proving to be an irresistible combination again for his team.
Dean Smith (Brentford)
Could hardly have wished for a smoother start to life at Griffin Park. Adamant that his players should express themselves, he led them to 11 points from six games. Their 12 goals were the most scored by any team in the Sky Bet Football League in December.
The winner will be announced on Friday.