Oxford United’s fantastic month in October has led to two national award nominations
Manager Karl Robinson is on the shortlist for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month Award while Tariq Fosu is nominated for Player of the Month
The winners will be announced on Friday but the candidates (with the judges' comments) are:
Manager of the Month
Gareth Ainsworth (Wycombe Wanderers)
Ainsworth’s side breezed through a horrendous-looking October fixture list to pick up eight points from four unbeaten games. His focus was all the more commendable given that he was being courted by two other clubs.
Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)
His side continued their free-scoring ways with 13 goals in five games. Crucial to remaining unbeaten in the month and picking up 11 points was Ferguson’s ability to marry attacking force with improved defensive solidity.
Glyn Hodges (AFC Wimbledon)
Hodges wasn’t even thinking about football management in late September. One month and three wins out of four matches later, he was the Dons’ new permanent manager having instilled belief and renewed attacking intent.
Karl Robinson (Oxford United)
Oxford’s astonishing run of form goes on with 10 points collected from four unbeaten games to climb into the play-off places. Most thrilling of all is that they did it in the swashbuckling style that Robinson demands, scoring ten goals.
Player of the Month
Omar Beckles (Shrewsbury Town) – central defender
Part of a robust, yet dynamic back three with Ro-Shaun Williams and Aaron Pierre, Beckles played his part in an outstanding defensive record of just one goal conceded in four games. Also ventured forward to score against Gillingham.
Tariqe Fosu (Oxford United) - striker
It was not the number of October goals which stood out, more the sheer silkiness of them, each one dripping in class and confidence – a mazy run and swivel at Accrington, a lovely strike at Rotherham and the calmest of volleys against Rochdale.
Ian Henderson (Rochdale) – striker
Having recently scored his 100th EFL goal for Dale, Henderson has made a quick start on his second century. His five in three starts included close-range finishes, a header and an impudent lob for his second goal against Accrington.
Paddy Madden (Fleetwood Town) - striker
Trying to squeeze into Joey Barton’s one-striker strategy has not been easy for the Irishman, but four goals from three starts will quickly change a manager’s mind. His hard work was rewarded with a hat-trick against Burton, his first in English football.
The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.