Kevin Keen nominated for League One Manager of the Month

Colchester United boss Kevin Keen has made the shortlist for the League One Manager of the Month Award for March.

Keen, joined by Paul Heckingbottom, Keith Hill and Jon Whitney, steered his side to 10 points in six matches last month including victory against Bradford, who have since cemented their place in the play-off places.

The U’s remain in the relegation zone, 10 points adrift of safety, but are sure to be boosted by recording their first back-to-back wins since September.

Off the back of winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley, Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom is also nominated as the Tykes remain the foremost challenger to move into the play-offs. Four wins out of six in March have kept them in touch of Millwall, with a game in hand remaining.

With slimmer hopes of making the play-offs Rochdale will no doubt be buoyed by four straight wins in March, including wins over Lancashire rivals Oldham Athletic and Bury and a second-half demolition of Southend United.

Dale boss Keith Hill said after the 4-1 win over the Shrimpers: “We’ve reached the point of safety when, 10 games ago, we were looking at getting involved in a relegation fight.”

Walsall‘s Jon Whitney is the last remaining nominee to make the list with the Saddlers seemingly making third place their own in League One. 8 points off the automatic promotion places and with the relative security of 6 points separating his side from Barnsley in seventh, caretaker boss Whitney capped off a month where he was given the job until the end of the season with three wins in five matches.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning.