Stevenage boss Darren Sarll has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for February.
Having declared he finds being a manager a lonely job, Sarll made friends aplenty in February by guiding Stevenage into the Play-Off positions with a 16-point haul from six unbeaten games and an even more impressive 14-5 goal differential.He said: “I am very pleased to receive this award which I will collect on behalf of the players and staff.
“Without either, February would not have been as rewarding as it was. We have positioned ourselves nicely and this award goes to recognise the excellent form we are currently in individually and collectively.
“March must now reflect the foundations laid as we have now set standards far higher than ever before.”
George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “It was an impressive month for Stevenage remaining unbeaten, winning five and drawing one of their matches.
“Their impressive goal difference has taken them into the Play-Off positions and I’m sure Darren has enjoyed his team’s performances in February.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Sarll lost six of his first nine games as Stevenage manager, and faced a really tough task to try and turn around the fortunes of a struggling side.
“However, just a year later, and striving for a Play-Off spot, the story could not be more different. Sarll has the dedication and endeavour to succeed, and rightly says he has no time to pat himself on the back until the season is done.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “League Two is perhaps the tightest and most competitive division in England this season, a run of wins can propel a side up the table quickly, and Stevenage were the benefactors this month.
“The best bit for Stevenage fans was the nature of the five wins, with their side scoring more than once on all five occasions.
“In a division that tends to be tight, low scoring and with very little home advantage for most teams, Sarll’s achievements are that bit more special."
The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL Marketing Director Drew Barrand, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.