Wimbledon's climb up table is recognised
AFC Wimbledon’s impressive form in February has earned Neal Ardley a nomination for the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month award.
The Dons won three matches out of four last month with eight goals scored along the way.
The judging panel put together a shortlist of four managers with reasons for their selections:
Neal Ardley (AFC Wimbledon)
Followed up his impressive January with another fine month in which his team moved into play-off contention. Nine points and eight goals from four fixtures as he continues to give the Dons a licence to throw men into attack.
Nathan Jones (Luton Town)
Has brought consistency in style and results at Kenilworth Road since arriving for his first tilt at management. Five February games yielded 10 points for his team, including an impressive 1-0 victory at promotion-chasing Wycombe.
Kevin Nolan (Leyton Orient)
Quickly identified Orient’s weakness as a tendency to leak goals. By tightening up at the back, his first foray into management has been a success so far. Three wins from four games in the month were all achieved with clean sheets.
Chris Wilder (Northampton Town)
A fourth nomination this season for the mastermind behind Northampton’s all-conquering campaign. Has kept a steady head and his players motivated while they sweep all before them, adding 16 points from a possible 18 in February.
The winner will be announced on Friday.
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.