Colchester United manager Danny Cowley has been named Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for March, following an impressive spell that has put the U’s firmly in the play-off hunt.
Cowley guided his side to five wins in seven matches during the month, including narrow victories over MK Dons, Chesterfield and Cheltenham, and more dominant displays against Port Vale and Fleetwood. The U’s collected 15 points from a possible 21.
Team Effort
Although the month ended in defeat at Bradford City and a loss to Grimsby Town, Colchester now sit eighth in the League Two table – just three points off the final play-off spot with five games remaining.
“Team effort, club effort really. The players have been brilliant, congratulations to the staff for the way they’ve supported the players. And of course our supporters, they’ve been incredible and have played a part in this award. It’s testament to everybody.
“I like them in March and April. If we get the one in April you might see me celebrate. The team has got better. It shows the team grows, develops, and improves as the season unfolds.
“You’re always trying to peak at the business end of the season I suppose. We had a pretty good March. We didn’t like the way we finished March. We’ve been more happy with the way we’ve started April, four points in two games has been credit to the group with so many things going against us.”
Cowley, who has managed clubs including Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth, now has another piece of silverware to add to his growing collection. He joked that his home office is filling up fast with awards and memorabilia from his managerial journey.
The judging panel praised Cowley for his ability to bring the best out of a squad still finding consistency earlier in the season. Their form in March has sparked hope of a late charge up the table.
The U’s next face a trip to Newport County, a side battling at the other end of the table, as they look to continue their momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.
Writer’s view
This award is as much about timing as performance. Cowley’s Colchester are peaking when it matters most, and his experience is showing in how they’ve tightened up defensively and found ways to win. With play-off hopes alive and confidence surging, the U’s could become the side nobody wants to face come May. Cowley’s calm leadership might just make all the difference.
