We were treated to another entertaining month of footballing action in October and the Players and Managers of the Month for the Championship, League One and League Two have now been announced.
Championship
Manager of the Month – Lee Carsley (Brentford)
With each week that goes by Carsley is becoming more and more accustomed to life in the dugout. After losing the first game of October to Derby, Carsley’s Brentford went on an incredible run of winning four games in a row whilst only conceding one goal in the process.
Speaking after being given his award Carsley said, “I am very proud of the players. This is really a team reward rather than a personal one. Every decision I have taken in the past month has been made between myself and my assistant Paul Williams.
“If I could cut the award in half, he would get the other half. I see this as a reward for a great team effort over the month.”
Player of the Month – Alan Judge (Brentford)
Alan Judge has had a fantastic start to the season and is the Bees‘ leading goal scorer and assist maker this campaign. During the month of October the midfielder chipped in with four assists and three goals, including a superb looping volley against Rotherham.
Football League pundit Don Goodman said, “Alan’s displays at the tip of Brentford’s midfield diamond have been nothing short of outstanding and he has really come into his own since Lee Carsley took charge at Griffin Park.”
Carsley and Judge’s awards cap off a superb month for Brentford, which could act as a springboard for further success this season.
League One
Manager of the Month – Mark Robins (Scunthorpe)
Scunthopre recorded an impressive five wins out of six in October and were only denied a perfect record with a defeat at high-flying Gillingham. At the beginning of the month The Iron were struggling in the relegation zone but they are now sitting comfortably in 10th place, just four points of the play-offs.
This turnaround has been masterminded by Mark Robins who spoke of his delight at winning October’s League One Manager of the Month award. “It’s pleasing to have won the award. It is testament to the players’ performances and the support of the chairman, directors and staff. The fans have been excellent, too.
“We picked up a couple of decent results at the start of the month and have just carried on in the same vein. We’re in a reasonable position now, where we can focus and really kick on. We have to carry on moving forward together.” said the 45-year-old.
Player of the Month – Aiden O’Brien (Millwall)
Aiden O’Brien’s form in October has helped to propel Millwall up the table. The 22-year old scored three goals last month, which helped the South London club to move up to seventh place in League One.
The striker’s manager Neil Harris told reporters, “It’s a fantastic achievement for young Aiden to win the Player of the Month award.
“We have had a real upturn in our performances with some great results of late and Aiden’s form has been a big part of that.
“He is a terrific young man, a real infectious character, and he plays with desire and enthusiasm. We are all witnessing his ability at the moment.”
League Two
Manager of the Month – Derek Adams (Plymouth)
The Pilgrims gained fifteen points from six games during Ocotber, which helped them open up a five point gap at the top of the League Two table. In truth Plymouth have demonstrated this kind of quality ever since Adams arrived at the club in the summer and they deserve to sit proudly at the top of the table.
Adam’s spoke of his pride at receiving the award, “It’s fantastic for the football club and it’s a very nice award to get at this stage of the season. We have performed well in October and are happy with the progress we making.
“I have a very good backroom staff in Craig Brewster and Paul Wotton, who I enjoy working with, as well as the rest of the staff at the football club and the players. We have a great team spirit.”
Player of the Month – Shaun Miller (Morecombe)
After struggling with injuries for the past few seasons, Shaun Miller had a month to remember in October. The 28-year old striker scored his first goal in over a year against Bristol Rovers at the start of the month and then went on to notch another five goals in October.
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley said: “Shaun has been in great form throughout the month of October. His professionalism and attitude towards his job have been first class since he arrived at the club and his performances have been excellent.
“We felt once he got a goal to match these performances that he would go on and do what he does best, score goals.
“He got his first goal for the club at the start of October and continued to score another five league goals during the month which is a fantastic achievement and I’m sure there will be more to follow.”