Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for January.
There were four games, four victories and 11 goals in January, including a thrilling 3-2 win at leaders Luton, as Wycombe rose to second in the table.
Ainsworth had to dabble in the loan market to combat a lengthy injury list among his squad.
Ainsworth said: “This award is for the boys really. The manager picks the team and they go out there, but once they cross that white line, they do the job, so I’m really proud of the boys. We’re on a good run at the moment and I couldn’t do it without them.
“I think being the player that I was, a forward player, an attacking winger, I try to manage as I played, no holds barred attacking formations, getting at teams.
“We sacrifice the odd goal at the back for that, but scoring goals is what people want to see, it’s the way to win games and we addressed that a couple of years ago and I’m glad to say it’s been paying off in droves for the last two seasons.”
George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel. He said: “The League Two battle for promotion is really hotting up and Wycombe’s win at leaders Luton was a fabulous result.
“They won all four games in January which has taken them to second in the league. Gareth has had to work hard to strengthen his squad with loan players as they have had numerous injuries.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Gareth is an incredibly talented manager and a great character to have in the EFL. I love the way he’s got Wycombe playing, throwing caution to the wind and scrapping for every point. This style makes for an all-action spectacle.
“The wins against Crewe and Luton would’ve sent the fans crazy, such was the back and forth nature of the games. Those wins proved his team are never beaten and they carried this over to the first game of February, scoring two injury-time goals to extend their winning run.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Mikey Mumford said: “Gareth Ainsworth’s January was one to savour as Wycombe manager. His side’s four victories, all of which came by a single-goal margin, included a thrilling 3-2 victory away at league leaders Luton which means automatic promotion is now beginning to look like a real possibility.
“Ainsworth’s tenure at Adams Park began in 2012 but this may well be his biggest opportunity yet to lead Wycombe into League One.
“There is a real sense of belief among the manager and the players at the club this term and Ainsworth may well look back on this excellent January if his side are smiling in May.”
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 EFL trader Mikey Mumford.