The winners of the Sky Bet League Two Manager and Player of the Month Awards for September are:
Darren Moore (Port Vale)
Port Vale manager Darren Moore has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for September.
It took time for Moore to find the right blend with 16 new signings over the summer. Once he did, his Vale side took off with an attacking swagger, winning 4-1 at Newport and setting the tone for a haul of 10 points from four unbeaten games.
Moore said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded with this accolade, but this award is one that has been accomplished as a whole football club and not just as Darren Moore.
“From our first team staff, to our owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan, our CEO Matt Hancock, to the Academy, to Kay and Tracy who look after our players, to the cleaners, the media team, our admin staff, the stadium and grounds teams and every single member of staff behind the scenes who come together to make every working day and matchday possible, this is as much for them as much as it is for me.
“As a team on the pitch, am I happy with where we are at currently? Absolutely. Am I satisfied? Not at all because there is so much more to come from this team and we are just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Darren has had the task of bedding in 16 new players for the start of the season, he has organised them quickly and given them the confidence to be prepared for a tough League Two campaign. Vale have relished the month of September, picking up 10 points from 4 unbeaten games.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Port Vale started slow but have really picked up since the start of September. Darren Moore had to gel a lot of new players and has done a brilliant job to get them organised so quickly.
“They are currently in the play-off places and if this form continues, will be strong contenders for promotion back to League One.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Darren Moore's Port Vale had the best record in League Two during September, winning three matches and drawing the other. After last season's relegation Moore is aiming for an immediate return to the third tier.
The Valiants were among the promotion favourites before the season started, priced at 3/1 for promotion and 12/1 for the title. Following their solid start, their promotion odds have shortened to 5/4.
Glenn Morris (Gillingham)
Gillingham goalkeeper Glenn Morris has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for September.
When you are facing the league leaders twice in successive weeks, an experienced keeper helps. Morris, who turns 41 in December, fits that description. He made fine saves against Notts County and Barrow, two of his three clean sheets in four games.
Gillingham manager Mark Bonner said: "Glenn is a deserved recipient of this award after an excellent month. He will be first to credit the team ahead of himself, but he has shown all of the qualities that have given him a career heading towards 600 games.
"His calm temperament and exceptional shot stopping throughout resulted in the team achieving another good points return in the month."
Morris said: "It's a great honour and I am really pleased to have picked it up. I couldn't have done it without the rest of the team. They are the ones that put bodies on the line to keep a clean sheet.
"It's brilliant, I am enjoying making saves!"
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Glenn Morris’ experience helped Gillingham navigate a tricky fixture list and finish September at the summit of League Two.
“Keepers aren’t always given the credit they deserve, but Morris will be a key figure for Mark Bonner’s team as they chase promotion this season.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Glenn Morris, Gillingham's veteran goalkeeper, has played a crucial role in his side's early-season success as they currently sit 2nd in League Two after ten games.
“Morris has repeatedly come to Gillingham’s rescue this season, delivering standout performances which included clean sheets against Notts County and Barrow.”
