The December nominations for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month Award are:
Lee Johnson (Bristol City)
A haul of 13 points from six games with wins over promotion rivals Sheffield United and Middlesbrough tells only part of his side`s December. Impressively, Johnson focused his players` minds on league fixtures and away from cup distractions.
Alex Neil (Preston North End)
Has allied defensive discipline to a determined work ethic and counter-attacking football. The potent combination saw his side go unbeaten, collecting 14 points from six games as they moved to the cusp of the play-off places.
Gary Rowett (Derby County)
Employed his tactical nous superbly to inspire a 16-point haul from six games with only one goal conceded. When December began, Derby were eight points off the automatic promotion places. When it ended, they were in them.
Nuno Espirito Santo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
His side spent the autumn passing through and around teams. In December, they had to demonstrate their battling qualities against packed defences. The overall result was much the same – 14 points from six unbeaten games.
Winners will be announced on Friday 12th January 2018.
