The September nominations for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month Award are:
Michael Appleton (Lincoln City)
Appleton didn’t just replace the successful Cowley brothers at Sincil Bank, he insisted on implementing a new playing style, too. For that he needed his own players and time. With both, his side won three September games out of three.
Paul Lambert (Ipswich Town)
Lambert has been here before. Twelve months ago, his side made a similar start to September’s maximum nine points from nine. While that didn’t ultimately lead to promotion, his youthful side look determined to atone this time.
Grant McCann (Hull City)
Rebuilding shattered morale following relegation is hard enough. Consider that the break between seasons was six weeks instead of the usual 12 plus the manner of Hull’s post-lockdown collapse and a perfect nine points is a remarkable feat by McCann.
Darren Moore (Doncaster Rovers)
For a man who spent his playing career as a rugged central defender, Moore the manager enjoys placing emphasis on attacking flair. His Rovers team took him at his word, scoring eight goals to pick up seven points from a possible nine.
The September nominations for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month Award are...
Madger Gomes (Doncaster Rovers) - midfielder
The elegant Spaniard strode through opposing defences carrying the ball forward at will in September and scoring a goal in every game. His goals were easy on the eye, too – a left-footed curler, a long-range effort and a stinging strike.
George Honeyman (Hull City) - midfielder
The midfielder has won acclaim but only played in struggling sides so far in his career. Three assists and a goal in Hull’s 100% start suggest that his box-to-box, all-action style may finally be appreciated by a successful team.
Joe Pigott (AFC Wimbledon) - striker
As the fulcrum of the Wimbledon attack, Pigott’s impact in three games was astonishing, scoring two and setting up another four of the Dons’ seven goals. Added to a superb free-kick against Plymouth was his mobility and awareness of teammates.
Alex Palmer (Lincoln City) - goalkeeper
Made crucial saves at vital times in all three Lincoln victories in the month. Brilliant against Oxford when he made an outstanding double save, he also kept Lincoln level with stops against MK Dons and Charlton which preceded their winning goals.