Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna wins Championship Manager of the Month award for September

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been named the Championship Manager of the Month for September.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that McKenna had made the shortlist for the award following a run of form that had seen the Tractor Boys beat Sheffield United and Portsmouth at home, as well as picking up a point from a midweek trip to Bristol City.

And today it has been revealed that McKenna has won the accolade, beating fellow contenders Paul Heckingbottom (Preston North End), Nathan Jones (Charlton Athletic) and Julien Stephan (Queens Park Rangers).

McKenna told the club’s website: “I am happy to accept the award on behalf of all the staff at the club and thank them for the hard work they have put in since the start of pre-season.

“We are pleased with the progress we are making and have had some good results in recent weeks, but we are all aware we need to keep pushing over what is a long and challenging season in the Championship.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Ipswich didn’t make the start that many expected, but they certainly turned it around in September.

“They kicked off the month with a flawless 5-0 display against Sheffield United and beat Portsmouth more convincingly than the scoreline may have suggested. Following that, they picked a point on the road at Bristol City.

“Kieran McKenna’s side are one of the favourites for promotion this season and he will be hoping September has set them on their way and will prove to be a catalyst for a Premier League return.”

Meanwhile, Jaden Philogene missed out on the player prize after being nominated for his four-goal haul throughout the month, which included a hat-trick against Sheffield United.

That award was scooped by Hull City striker Oli McBurnie.