The winners of the Sky Bet League Two Manager and Player of the Month Awards for January are:

Manager of the Month: Simon Weaver

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for January.

The momentum gained in the second half of last season continues to gather pace in north Yorkshire. Weaver has made light of recent injuries to guide his side calmly into the promotion race with ten points from four unbeaten matches.

Weaver said: “I think this award should go to the whole management team. Everyone does contribute so much to the cause, the staff, the players, we are all here together.”

Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel.

He said: “Four unbeaten games in January and 10 points returned is a fantastic run considering the injury list Simon has had to deal with. With the momentum gaining pace, Harrogate find themselves on the brink of the play off places with some very exciting fixtures coming up.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Harrogate Town are the form team in League One and Simon Weaver deserves a lot of credit.

“He guided a team with key players missing to an unbeaten month, where they picked up 10 points from a possible 12. They are now in the chase for a play-off position and have hit their stride at the perfect time.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “In the last nine games Simon Weaver's Harrogate have shot up the League Two table and gone from middle of the pack to the verge of the play-offs - not bad for a club who were installed as the 100/30 favourites for relegation!

“Weaver, who has been at Wetherby Road since 2009 is getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players and guided his side to three wins and a draw during January and there was no fluke about it. We have Harrogate at 33/1 to be promoted and 7/1 to make the play offs, and if they keep up this form, who could rule them out.”

 

Manager of the Month: Jodi Jones

Notts County winger Jodi Jones has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for January.

With six assists in January, Jones equalled the League Two season record of 17. He managed four in the 5-5 draw at Grimsby alone with his ability to send in low bouncing crosses at pace between the opposing keeper and defenders.

Notts County manager Stuart Maynard said: "Jodi has so much quality, as he’s shown every time he’s stepped on the pitch throughout his career, but you also have to give him huge credit for the mentality he’s demonstrated to overcome so many challenges over the years.

"The fact that, in early February, he is on the brink of setting a record number of assists in a League Two season tells you everything you need to know about the form he’s in and we look forward to continuing to watch him thrive here at Notts."

Jones said: "It means a lot to me to win this award for the first time - and it's a proud day for my family as well. I'd like to say a massive thank you to my team-mates as, without them, I wouldn't be able to provide as many assists as I have so far this season." 

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Jones is setting the pace in League Two for creative wide play, equalling the League Two season record of 17 assists.

“He set up another six for his Notts County teammates in January, registering four against Grimsby alone. His form will be crucial in County’s push for promotion this season.”  

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Jodi Jones will be crucial in Notts County’s push for promotion to League One. He already has 17 assists to his name so far which is a record for League Two at this stage of the season.

“If County can improve defensively and allow Jones and his attacking team mates to do their thing, they should feel confident they can make the play offs. At 8/15, we still have them as strong favourites to get over the line.”