Portsmouth boss Paul Cook has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for April.
Cook timed his side’s promotion push to perfection with 16 points from six unbeaten games, clinching a place in League One next season.He shrewdly found a way to manage expectations, yet still allow his players to play with freedom.
Cook said: “It’s always nice to get any kind of personal accolade, but it’s the players who deserve all of the plaudits. To finish the season in the manner they have takes a lot of character and determination.”
George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel. He said: “Portmouth had an exceptional month and go into the last weekend of the season with an outside chance of claiming the League Two title.
“The whole campaign has been meticulously managed and Paul deserves his chance to show his skills in Sky Bet League One.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Cook has come into a massive club like Portsmouth with a huge amount of expectation and delivered promotion to League One after just two seasons at the club.
“Finally the fans have been able to start looking up rather than down, and the club is in the most stable position that it has been in for many years. That’s good for football and good for Pompey.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “It’s not often you’ve been able to relax as a Portsmouth fan in recent years but the form in April has seen them secure automatic promotion without much fuss and still be in with an outside chance of winning the league on the final day.
“Paul’s done a great job and the momentum they’ve gained at the end of the season should stand them in good stead for League One next year.”
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.