The winner of the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award for October is...
Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has been named the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for October.
Goals galore as Posh returned to their favourite style under Ferguson, displaying their attacking prowess, collecting 19 points from seven unbeaten games, moving into the Play-Off places and hitting the net 17 times in the thrill-a-minute process.
Ferguson said: “The players were outstanding during the month of October, to win the amount of games that we did against the calibre of opponent that we did is excellent.
“The mentality of the players was superb. The players were disappointed that we didn’t take all three points against Burton Albion, but in that game we had plenty of opportunities to score. The players are in a good place at the minute and long may that continue.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Posh have been banging goals in for fun, 17 in fact and 19 points gained in a great month for Darren and his team.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Unbeaten and goal laden October must have been a delight for Darren Ferguson.
The Posh have committed to Ferguson’s swash-buckling, progressive style of play and it’s paying dividends at the moment, making Peterborough one of the most feared teams in the entire league. If their form continues, they will be right in the hunt when we hit the business end in the Spring.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “After losing two of their first three games of the season, Darren Ferguson’s side clicked into form during October, winning six, drawing one and finishing the month top of Sky Bet League One.
“Posh were second favourites (8/1) for the title behind Sunderland before a ball was kicked and after a slow start went as big as 11/1, but after a fine run of form are now into 11/4 joint favourites along with The Black Cats.
“Posh are now also odds-on (4/5) from 11/4 at the start of the season to be promoted back to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2012-13.”
The winner of the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award for October is...
Ben Amos (Charlton)
Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ben Amos has been named the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for October.
Finally given an opportunity to shine at The Valley, Amos has done exactly that, not conceding a goal in six October games and making crucial stops in every match, including breathtaking reaction saves against Sunderland and Northampton.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer said: “It’s a well-deserved award, obviously this season he’s had a great start and I never doubted for one second that he would come in and do well for us.
“There’s a lot of things that go on that people don’t recognise from goalkeepers and he relieves us a lot when he comes for crosses, and he’s been outstanding at that.
“He’s a big part of why we went on the long clean sheet run, and I’m really pleased for him because goalies never normally win these awards.”
Amos said: “Keeping all those clean sheets was a great achievement, but you can’t do it on your own.
“You need everyone from the front players to the boys at the back doing their bit so it’s testament to them, and it seems a little bit daft that one player gets it when there’s been all that effort from everyone to get those clean sheets.
“It’s great from a personal point of view to have hit the ground running this season, but the most important thing is the team doing well and we want to get promoted this season – and I think we’ve got the capability to do it. As long as I feel I’m doing my best and the team is achieving its goal, I’m happy.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Goalkeepers are sometimes villain, and sometimes unsung hero for their performances, so it’s great to be able to focus on the latter this month. After a string of excellent displays.
“Ben Amos was supreme during the month of October, remarkably keeping clean sheets in six straight games. You can’t ask for anything more from a ‘keeper and this award is richly deserved.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Charlton won five games and drew the other in October without conceding any goals thanks to some outstanding performances from former Manchester Utd goalkeeper Ben Amos.
“He made crucial saves in every game and thanks to his efforts The Addicks ended the month in second place in Sky Bet League One.
“Before the season started, Charlton were one of several clubs that were expected to challenge in a really competitive promotion race and we’ve cut them into 11/4 from 8/1 at the start of the month to go straight back up to the Sky Bet Championship.”