Dons boss on shortlist for Manager of the Month
Neal Ardley has been nominated as a contender for the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month award after leading Wimbledon up to fourth in the table.
Neal is one of four managers selected for the shortlist and the winner will be announced on Sky Sports News on Friday morning, along with the Sky Bet Player of the Month.
Judges shortlisted the four candidates on the following criteria:
Neal Ardley (AFC Wimbledon)
Having avoided relegation on the final day of the season, Neal Ardley has ensured a fast start this time around. Wimbledon’s 10 points from five matches has included a 100 per cent record at home with wins over Wycombe, Scunthorpe and Fleetwood.
Paul Cook (Chesterfield)
Paul’s confident, assured side scored exactly two goals in all five of their games - enough for four wins and a draw - with significant victories coming over potential promotion rivals Southend and Portsmouth to top the pile in League 2.
Gary Rowett (Burton Albion)
Burton’s play-off hangover has been dispelled despite losing key players in the summer. Though his team’s three wins were all impressive, so too were the 2-2 draws they secured against Cheltenham and Bury after trailing 2-0 in both matches.
Chris Wilder (Oxford United)
Oxford began the season in sparkling form with a 4-1 opening day win at Portsmouth to herald an unbeaten month. With 12 goals in five matches shared among six players, Chris has moulded a free-flowing and fluent side.
The judging panel is comprised of the following: former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers’ Association Deputy Chief Operating Officer Olaf Dixon, and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins.