Johnson picks up second manager of the month award

LEE Johnson has been named EFL League One manager of the month for December – the second time this season he has won the monthly award.

The Sunderland head coach oversaw six league games without defeat last month, collecting 14 points from four wins and two draws, with the Black Cats scoring 17 goals and conceding just three.

That run was enough to see Sunderland end the month as League One leaders. Johnson said: “I’m very happy, and the workrate and focus of the players is fundamental to that. It was an important spell and it quickly changed the perspective of the league table.

“We performed very well, scored a lot of goals, and that makes me happy.

“It’s nice to win this award and my thanks goes out to all the players and staff at the football club, as it’s only possible with their unwavering commitment. I accept this award on behalf of those who have sacrificed in the special month of December for SAFC.

“Now, our focus quickly turns to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.”

Johnson was one of four managers nominated for the award, and he was chosen ahead of Accrington Stanley’s John Coleman, Rotherham United’s Paul Warne and Wigan Athletic’s Leam Richardson.

It is the second time this season Johnson has been named manager of the month, having picked up the accolade in August after Sunderland won four of their first five league games.

Johnson added: “It’s always a collective award, really, because so many people put so much effort into helping the team to win that it’s a bit unfair that it is pushed towards the manager.”

Former Sunderland striker and now Sky Sports EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The little wobble they suffered in October seems to have been put firmly behind them, so for Lee Johnson and Sunderland, December could prove to be the month that they put some inconsistency behind them and started a sustained march towards promotion.”