The Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month winner for December is:

Daniel Farke

Farke had Leeds running at their opponents from all angles in December with eight different scorers among their 13 goals. Irresistible at Elland Road, they conceded just two in a haul of 16 points from six games to move top of the Championship.

Farke said: “This award is a reflection of the hard work of everyone at the club in December. It was great to go unbeaten in what is a notoriously difficult month and now we have to keep going in the same manner.”

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

He said: “It was a great festive month for Daniel and his Leeds side. Presents galore in the form of points. 16 returned in an unbeaten 6 games, an assortment of scorers and only conceding 2 goals, earning the right to move to the top of the tree in the Championship.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Leeds had another strong month in December, and are now five points ahead of last season in their push for the Premier League. They had eight different scorers and only conceded two goals in a month that saw them collect 16 points from a possible 18.

“While teams around them stuttered, Leeds were almost faultless as they made their way to the top of the Championship.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Daniel Farke’s Leeds side were the preseason 4/1 favourites for the Championship title and now sit top of the table with 26 games played.

“They went unbeaten in December with a run of five wins and a draw. Their title odds have now shortened to 4/9 from 4/6 at the start of the month reflecting their recent dominance.

“A return to the Premier League would have been a clear objective at the start of the season and Leeds are now as short as 1/16 for promotion this season.”

The Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for December is:

Ephron Mason-Clark

After enduring a difficult start at Coventry, Mason-Clark was set free to create havoc by new manager Frank Lampard. His three goals and three assists included two goals ghosting in at the far post and stellar wing play for the winner over Hull.

Mason-Clark said: “It feels good. I’ve got to say thank you to my teammates and the staff for the award.

“We didn’t pick up the number of points that we wanted to, but it was a good month, not just for me, but for the team as well.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Ephron Mason-Clark looks a new player under Frank Lampard, and he was on fire throughout December. He registered three goals and three assists in a month where he showcased exactly why Coventry City invested in him with expert wing play and an eye for goal his manager would be proud of.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Coventry City winger Ephron Mason-Clark has thrived under the management of Frank Lampard, contributing three goals and three assists since the new manager’s appointment.

“Luck hasn’t been on Coventry’s side this season but Lampard’s arrival seems to have had a positive influence, bringing the best out of players like Mason-Clark. However, they’re still not rated as one of the favourites to make the playoffs at an outside 14/1.

“For Lampard and Mason-Clark, the hope is they can defy expectations this season and end on a high note. Sky Bet have them at 40/1 for promotion.”