Head Coach claims December's managerial gong.

Derby County Head Coach Steve McClaren has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for December.

It was a month to remember for both McClaren and Derby, as the Rams picked up 19 points from 21 and outscored their opponents by a huge 18-6 margin. He placed the emphasis on free-flowing attacking play as Derby moved up into second place in the Championship.

Former Charlton and West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.

He said: “Steve McClaren has enjoyed a fantastic return to Derby County where his side’s outstanding form has put them in contention for automatic promotion.


“To secure 19 points in one month is an extremely notable feat.”


Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Steve McClaren’s best asset is his coaching and he has inherited a talented group of young players who needed organising and coaching. He is ideally suited to lead Derby on a promotion charge this season.


“An outstanding December was built on some positive signs earlier on in his reign to leave Derby County challenging for the top spot at the start of the year.”


Sky Bet’s Head of Football Paul Wiggins said: “An unbeaten December has seen Steve McClaren’s Derby County climb the table.


“McClaren has signed the highly rated Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford on loan to bolster his attacking options.”


In Sky Bet League 1, Mark Warburton of Brentford was named Sky Bet Manager of the Month.

The Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month Award went to Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates.

The Manager of the Month judging panel comprises Curbishley, Goodman and Wiggins – as well as Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson and League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon.

Derby midfielder Craig Bryson missed out on being named in the Sky Bet Championship 'Player of the Month' for December - with Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater claiming the Award.

Sky Bet are Title Sponsor of The Football League. The sponsorship includes a Revenue Share deal with all 72 member clubs. The Revenue Share generates money, paid to every club, based on the revenue generated by their fans who sign up and bet with Sky Bet. Through this ongoing arrangement, Sky Bet are able to add another income stream to every club in The Sky Bet Football League.

Derby fans can visit www.skybet.com/derby to place their bets on the Rams this season.


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