EFL Awards 2026: The managers driving their teams to glory this season

By Holly Wright

The 2025/26 EFL season has been a thrilling rollercoaster across all three divisions, and as we enter the final stretch, attention turns to the individuals who have helped shape campaigns across the Championship, League One, and League Two.

From standout performers on the pitch to the managers masterminding success, and the brightest young talents making their mark, the race for EFL honours is heating up ahead of the awards ceremony on 19 April 2026.

With the official nominations now confirmed, Holly Wright takes you through the managers vying for this season’s top prize.

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Championship Manager of the Year nominees

Frank Lampard – Coventry City

Frank Lampard has transformed Coventry City into genuine title contenders this season.

Under his management, the Sky Blues have developed a dynamic attacking style, complemented by disciplined defensive structures that make them hard to beat.

With just a handful of games remaining, Coventry look set to secure promotion as Championship champions, a remarkable achievement considering the competition in the league.

Alex Neil – Millwall

Alex Neil has guided Millwall through a campaign of consistency, keeping the Lions firmly in contention for automatic promotion.

Known for his tactical discipline and strong defensive organisation, Neil has ensured his team remains difficult to break down while also maintaining an attacking threat on the counter.

Millwall have taken points against some of the division’s strongest sides, demonstrating resilience and focus.

Neil’s leadership has been crucial in navigating injuries and rotation challenges, keeping morale high throughout the season.

The Lions’ strong home form, combined with an ability to grind out results on the road, has kept them firmly in the mix for the Championship’s top two.

Kim Hellberg – Middlesbrough

Kim Hellberg has reinvigorated Middlesbrough since taking charge mid-season, giving the club renewed belief in their promotion ambitions.

His tactical flexibility has allowed Boro to switch between formations effectively, adapting to opponents while emphasising structured attacking play.

With Boro still in contention, his management has been instrumental in keeping the squad focused under pressure and maintaining the belief that promotion remains achievable.

Sergej Jakirovic – Hull City

Sergej Jakirovic has transformed Hull City into a consistent and competitive side capable of challenging in the play-offs.

Despite working with a smaller squad than many rivals, he has maximised resources and maintained high team morale.

The club’s firm position in the play-off spots reflects Jakirovic’s skill in extracting consistent performances and his ability to adapt tactics to different challenges across a demanding Championship schedule.

League One Manager of the Year nominees

UNSTOPPABLE: Michael Skubala has overseen a historic campaign with Lincoln City

Michael Skubala – Lincoln City

Michael Skubala has overseen a historic campaign at Lincoln City.

The Imps earned promotion on Easter Monday and hold a 12-point lead over Cardiff City, putting them on course for the League One title.

Lincoln are currently on a 24-game unbeaten run, blending attacking fluidity with defensive organisation.

Skubala’s tactical adaptability has allowed Lincoln to dominate possession or absorb pressure depending on the opponent, showcasing flexibility rarely seen in the division.

Brian Barry-Murphy – Cardiff City

Brian Barry-Murphy has Cardiff City in second place, sitting seven points clear of third, in a season defined by consistency.

Provided there is no major dip in form, the Bluebirds are set to return to the Championship.

His leadership has maintained squad focus and morale across the campaign, with key victories helping Cardiff secure a buffer over chasing sides.

Graham Alexander – Bradford City

Graham Alexander has kept Bradford City firmly in the mix despite a dip in away form, with the Bantams holding third place.

This positions them perfectly to capitalise on any slip-ups from Cardiff.

His focus on tactical organisation, defensive solidity, and motivating players has been central to maintaining their competitive edge.

Alexander’s leadership has ensured that Bradford remain a threat in the closing stages of the season, highlighting his ability to manage pressure, inspire performance, and maximise squad potential when promotion is still within reach.

Alex Revell – Stevenage

Alex Revell has guided Stevenage to a late-season surge, now occupying the final play-off spot.

His tactical adjustments and motivational skills have allowed the team to compete effectively in a demanding division, turning the closing fixtures into a series of crucial points.

The manager’s ability to extract peak performance from a smaller squad demonstrates his capacity for leadership and tactical ingenuity, keeping his team firmly in contention for a play-off place as the season enters its final stages.

League Two Manager of the Year nominees

LEADING THE WAY: Andy Woodman has steered Bromley to the summit of League Two this season.
PICTURE: Richard Sellers/PA

Andy Woodman – Bromley

Andy Woodman has steered Bromley to the summit of League Two, currently leading by seven points.

His tactical balance, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline, has allowed Bromley to dominate matches and sustain results week after week.

Woodman’s management of squad rotation, morale, and preparation for opponents has been central to maintaining their lead.

Paul Warne – Milton Keynes Dons

Paul Warne has kept MK Dons in contention for automatic promotion, currently sitting second on goal difference.

His tactical adaptability has allowed the team to respond to a variety of challenges while maintaining a strong defensive base.

Warne’s ability to motivate players in high-pressure situations has been key to keeping MK Dons competitive, with every point critical as the promotion race tightens.

Micky Mellon – Oldham Athletic

Micky Mellon has maintained Oldham Athletic’s competitiveness with consistent performances across a long campaign.

His emphasis on defensive organisation, combined with selective attacking risk-taking, has allowed the team to earn points even in difficult fixtures.

Mellon has shown resilience and leadership, keeping morale high and extracting strong performances from his squad despite resource constraints.

Neil Harris – Cambridge United

Neil Harris has guided Cambridge United through a season of promise, keeping them in contention for a play-off spot while also maintaining hope of automatic promotion.

His tactical discipline, focus on squad rotation, and ability to motivate players have allowed Cambridge to stay competitive in a challenging division.

Harris has demonstrated the leadership necessary to navigate a long campaign while keeping the team’s ambitions alive.

READ MORE: EFL Awards 2026: The players gunning for the top prize