The Sky Bet Championship Manager and Player of the Month winners are as follows:
Manager of the Month: Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for November.
It was a perfect November for Bielsa with five wins out of five as Leeds moved ominously to the top of the Championship table by month’s end.
The fitness and pressing game he demands helped secure an impressive 11-2 goal differential.
Bielsa said: “To recognise the manager is one way to recognise everybody who is helping the team and more than help, having some impact and influence on the team, but of course what's more important is the input of the players.
“We know that every team has different periods in the competition when you are better and worse, but it's no coincidence [the award] comes at the moment of the competition when Leeds have a high impact."
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Marcelo and his Leeds team have certainly turned the heat up on their Championship promotion rivals over the last few weeks.
“Marcelo has maintained that really rewarding high-tempo game we have been accustomed to when watching his team.
“With WBA and Fulham still hot on their heels, Leeds really have the bit between their teeth, and the upcoming festive fixtures promise to be exciting and intriguing in equal measure.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The enigmatic Argentine continues to prove that his less than conventional training methods are an inspiration to his team as they continue their brilliance where it matters, on a match day.
“Bielsa’s charges recorded five wins from five in November, shipping just two goals in the process, and along with West Bromwich Albion, have cemented themselves as Championship front-runners as we approach the busy Christmas period.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds come out as far and away the best team in the division on all of the important shot metrics, including expected goals and we have them as short as 4/6 with us to win the title (from 6/4 at the start of the month).
“We make them 1/10 to be promoted back to the top flight for the first time in 15 years – from 4/9 at the start of November.”
Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month: Jarrod Bowen (Hull City)
Hull City striker Jarrod Bowen has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for November.
Bowen proved his worth and increased his transfer value again with four goals and two assists as Hull climbed into the top half of the table.
His combination play with Kamil Grosicki stood out as he scored twice against Preston.
Hull City manager Grant McCann said: “We’re all delighted for him. He’s been phenomenal over the last couple of months in terms of what he’s done in games, his goals and his performances in general have been top class.
“He’s been a pleasure to work with since we came into the building – every day, his appetite, the way he wants to learn and get better.”
Bowen said: “I’m delighted. Personal accolades are really good because it shows what you’ve been doing. It’s a massive honour to win such an award.
“Personally, the month went well. I’ve been scoring goals, got a couple of assists. The team have been a bit inconsistent but we’re not halfway through the season yet.
“We need to cut that out and keep performing the way we have been most weeks and turn those draws and losses into wins.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The Sky Bet Championship is littered with exciting players, but one of the most exciting has to be Hull City’s 22-year-old prodigy who has had the KCOM Stadium purring in recent weeks.
“The goal-getting talisman is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment, and justifiably so. Bowen is in the form of his young career, with four goals in November adding to his impressive tally.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Bowen had another fine month in November, adding four goals to put himself joint-top of the scoring charts alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic with 15 for the season.
“The Fulham hitman is still favourite for the golden boot but we have cut Bowen from 6/1 at the start of the month to the clear 3/1 second-favourite, as he looks to spearhead Hull’s push to the Play-Off places.”
