Following a highly successful opening month of the 2020/21 Sky Bet League Two season, U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner and striker Paul Mullin are among the nominees for the end of month awards for September.
After the six-month break between seasons ground to a halt the momentum Bonner had built up in January and February, which saw him narrowly miss out on Manager of the Month for February, United’s Head Coach certainly hit the ground running for 2020/21. His team went undefeated through September, collecting seven points from three games with an 8-0 goal differential.
He’s been nominated for the September Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award alongside:
John Askey (Port Vale)
No League Two team seemed better placed to make the play-offs than Vale when last season was curtailed. Askey has harnessed the disappointment to start this one impressively, not conceding a goal while amassing seven points from nine.
Mark Bonner (Cambridge United)
Mike Flynn (Newport County)
Amid his side’s usual cup heroics and eight September fixtures in all competitions, Flynn juggled his squad adeptly and oversaw a haul of seven points from three unbeaten league games, which included difficult-looking trips to Scunthorpe and Bolton.
Simon Weaver (Harrogate Town)
Took seamlessly to management in the EFL, guiding his side to an unbeaten first month and a five-point haul. Draws against likely promotion chasers Walsall and Port Vale were as impressive as the opening day 4-0 win at Southend.
Meanwhile, Paul Mullin is among the nominees for the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month award for September following his impressive return for United.
The nominees are:
Ian Henderson (Salford City) – striker
Unwanted by Rochdale, Henderson has taken his scoring boots to Salford and carried on doing what he does best. Four goals in three games included a hat-trick at Grimsby where he calmly despatched two penalties – evidence of his leadership qualities.
Aaron Martin (Harrogate Town) – striker
The 29-year-old has taken a liking to EFL defences having signed from Guiseley in pre-season. Two goals and three assists in three games have showcased his talent, particularly his dominance in the air and the ability to time his jump.
Paul Mullin (Cambridge United) - striker
Three goals and an assist in Cambridge’s impressive start, the striker is happy to create space for teammates. His most memorable effort didn’t even go down as his goal, a delicious curler at Morecambe which went in off the keeper’s back.
Adam Phillips (Morecambe) midfielder
The on-loan midfielder is back at Morecambe and has continued his fine form from the end of last season. His vision and eye for a pass set up one goal at Southend where he scored another to add to a penalty - won and converted - at Cheltenham.
The winners of both awards will be announced on Friday 9th October. The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.