Manager of the Month for Dons boss
Neal Ardley has been rewarded for guiding AFC Wimbledon to an excellent run of results in December with the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month Award.
The Dons started December with a second round FA Cup win at Wycombe – a victory that set-up a memorable tie against Liverpool – before three league wins out of four.
Speaking during an interview with Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “It’s great to get some sort of accolade. I know it’s a cliché when you get something like this, but this award tells me that we were team of the month. When I say ‘team’ that includes the players and all the staff and everyone who worked hard during December.
“We got through in the FA Cup and knowing the tie we had in the next round we had to work tirelessly to make sure we kept our eye on the ball. We certainly did that. I’m aware of all the work that the players on the pitch and the staff behind the scenes do so I’ll accept this on behalf of us all.”
Three wins out of four in League 2, including nine goals on the way, won the vote from the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month judging panel, a 4-1 win at home to Exeter City as the highlight.
“December was an excellent month for Neal Ardley and AFC Wimbledon as they won three of their four matches, scoring nine goals in the process, including a fantastic 4-1 home win against Exeter City who have been playing very well.” George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said:
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Wimbledon are edging their way towards Sky Bet League 1, the Dons harbour the support of the football family, and despite FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, Ardley’s men are flying in Sky Bet League 2.”
The Dons beat Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup, before wins against York City, Portsmouth and Exeter City, during December.
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.