Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala has been shortlisted for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award for September after guiding his side through an impressive unbeaten league run.
Skubala faces stiff competition for the accolade, with Graham Alexander (Bradford City), Tom Cleverley (Plymouth Argyle) and Darren Moore (Port Vale) also recognised for strong months in charge of their respective sides.
Four Managers in the Running
Tom Cleverley’s Plymouth Argyle also enjoyed a resurgent month after early-season inconsistency. The Pilgrims picked up five wins from six matches, including EFL Trophy victories over Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s and Cheltenham Town, alongside league successes against Stockport County, Luton Town and Burton Albion. Their only defeat came at home to Peterborough United.
Darren Moore’s inclusion comes after he turned around the Valiants’ tough August. Port Vale had a mixed month, yielding four wins from six matches. His team beat Leeds United Under-21s, Exeter City, Mansfield Town and Barnsley, while losing to Leyton Orient in League One and Arsenal in the League Cup.
Bradford City, meanwhile, continued their strong start under Graham Alexander. The Bantams sit second in the table following a productive September that brought wins over Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Blackpool in the league, as well as Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy. Their only setbacks came against Newcastle United in the League Cup and Doncaster Rovers in League One.
Skubala’s Unbeaten League Run
Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala is seen by many as the frontrunner, having guided the Imps through September without a league defeat. His side recorded impressive wins over Luton Town, Peterborough United and Burton Albion, while also collecting EFL Trophy victories against Manchester United Under-21s and Notts County.
The only blemishes were a draw with Wigan Athletic and a defeat to Chelsea in the League Cup, but crucially, the Imps remain unbeaten in League One during the month: a key factor in his nomination.
Who Deserves the Award?
With three league victories and the best defensive record among the nominees, Skubala’s case for recognition is compelling. However, Cleverley’s winning momentum at Plymouth and Alexander’s consistency with Bradford mean the panel faces a difficult decision.
Ultimately, the award is judged on league form, where Lincoln were the only unbeaten side among the nominees. That record may just give Skubala the edge as he looks to claim a long-awaited first Manager of the Month honour.
