Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month
December success sees Ipswich manager earn recognition
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been awarded the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for December.
McKenna guided Ipswich into the top three of the Championship by earning 14 points from seven fixtures over the month. This included victories both home and away against table-topping Coventry without conceding a goal.
Speaking about the award, McKenna said: “This award is credit to everyone involved with the team and also the supporters, because it was a really challenging December with lots of games and lots of travel.
“Although not every game went our way, we really stuck at it and showed lots of quality and resilience. That took a lot of effort from everyone and it’s especially pleasing for us to win this award in a month which asked so much of us.
“We know it will take a big, big effort over the next few months and it’s now about everyone continuing to work hard, sticking together and seeing where we are at the end of the season.”
The judging panel for the award is chaired by Danny Wilson, who praised McKenna’s leadership last month.
“A double victory over Championship pace setters, Coventry, in December has kept Kieran’s side well positioned for a top two place," Wilson said.
“A really impressive 14 points from their 7 games sets them up comfortably for their important January fixtures.”
EFL pundit Don Goodman added: “Kieran McKenna’s side are one of the few form teams in the Championship at the moment.
“While some of the other front runners dropped points, Ipswich remained consistent picking up 14 points from seven games.
“They have closed the gap at the top and look strong contenders for promotion.”