The December nominations for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month Award are:
Steve Evans (Leeds United)
Beginning to instil his passion into the Leeds players, leading them through an unbeaten December in which they picked up 12 points from six games. The momentum started with a 2-1 victory over Yorkshire rivals Hull City.
Aitor Karanka (Middlesbrough)
A Rolls Royce of a month for Karanka’s side with 13 points garnered from five games – all against promotion rivals - and a 7-0 goals differential. His shrewd tactics were in evidence as Boro ended Brighton’s long unbeaten start.
Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town)
Four victories in six games, three of them away from home, maintained the Ipswich promotion push. McCarthy’s nous and unflappable calmness after a defeat are proving to be an irresistible combination again for his team.
Dean Smith (Brentford)
Could hardly have wished for a smoother start to life at Griffin Park. Adamant that his players should express themselves, he led them to 11 points from six games. Their 12 goals were most in the Sky Bet Football League in December.
ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY 8 JANUARY 2016
The judging panel comprises former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery