The winners of the Sky Bet Championship Manager and Player of the Month Awards for October are:
Regis Le Bris
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for October.
Le Bris continues to guide Sunderland’s young players on their upward trajectory, harnessing their attacking instincts while equipping them with the means to cope with difficult moments. It added up to 13 points from five unbeaten games.
Le Bris said: “This award represents the hard work and performances of the players and staff throughout the Club. We are pleased with the progress we have made during the start of the season, but we understand there are still many games remaining and greater challenges ahead of us. We need to stay very consistent, but there is a willingness to improve within the building and this will serve us well moving forward.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Sunderland and Regis maintained their great form in an unbeaten October, returning 13 points from their 5 games. Their impressive month included a terrific win at highly fancied Luton Town at Kenilworth road and a last gasp 2-2 draw at home to second placed Leeds United.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Le Bris’ Sunderland continued where they left off in September and look genuinely primed for a real push at automatic promotion this season. He deserves a lot of credit for getting the best out of their exciting attacking talent, guiding his young team to four wins from an unbeaten five games in October.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris steered his team through another stellar month in October, claiming four wins and a draw. With his side still sitting top of the Championship table, they are now odds-on for promotion after being given a 6/1 chance of returning to the Premier League before a ball was kicked.”
Borja Sainz
Norwich City winger Borja Sainz has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for October.
Last month’s winner remains locked into a rich vein of energy and belief with a trio of stunning strikes in his four goals and two assists in five games, including a 25-yarder and an angled drive, both against Middlesbrough, for the rampant midfielder.
Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup said: “Borja has had another fantastic month, and we’re delighted for him. He’s trying to take the next steps in becoming more of a leader on the pitch and being the guy that we can rely on.
“He has been consistent in his impact on our games this season and that’s where he is making big improvements.
“He is a very talented player and someone we’re enjoying working with. We look forward to his continued development as we progress through the season.”
Sainz said: “I’m very happy to win this award, but I must say thank you to the coaching staff and my teammates. They have helped me a lot, providing me with the belief and support.
“I want to continue to improve and learn. We want to make a special season here in Norwich City and I will continue giving everything on the pitch to help make that happen.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Borja Sainz is showing no signs of slowing down as he picks up the Championship Player of the Month award for the second month running. Norwich have had a mixed start to the season, but everything good seems to be coming through Sainz. He looks full of confidence and three of his four goals in October were absolute crackers.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Borja Sainz has been a pivotal force in Norwich’s success under manager Johannes Thorup. Throughout October he delivered four goals and two assists to bring his impressive season total to 11 goals in just 14 Championship matches.
“Sainz’s odds to finish as the Championship's top marksman have improved from 33/1 at the start of October to 4/1 now – a testament to his outstanding scoring form over recent weeks.”
