STEVE’S AIMING TO KEEP ADDING PRIZES...
STEVE BRUCE wants to make sure he’s getting his hands on the manager of the month gong again later in the season – because it means Hull City will still be in the Championship title race.
For now the Tigers boss has scooped the first prize of 2016, with his side finishing January top of the league thanks to a perfect four out of four league wins.
His side scored 11 goals with striker Abel Hernandez taking the Sky Bet Championship player of the month award.
Bruce said: “It’s a big pat on the back and congratulations to all my staff who helped me tirelessly.
“Of course it’s the manager who gets a nice trophy but it’s also for the lads who work behind the scenes, the ones who are ready to take training now. I’d rather be picking it up in March or April than February, but there you are.”
On Hernandez, Bruce added: “A goalscorer is so crucial to any team, but Abel’s the first to know that the team behind him has provided the chances to him.
“His hat-trick in the last home fixture (against Charlton) was superb and long may that continue.”
There was a club double in League One too, with Barnsley boss Lee Johnson the pick of the managers and the seven goals scored by his striker Sam Winnall earning the player trophy.
And it was also a club onetwo in League Two, with Northampton Town boss Chris Wilder and Cobblers winger Ricky Holmes both recognised.
Despite financial uncertainty off the pitch, Wilder has kept his side bang on course as January saw a maximum 12-point return to put them top of the pile.
“Winning the award is nice because it shows we have had a good month, but it is really an award for the whole club,” Wilder said.
“It is the players who go out there and perform, and the staff who provide fantastic support to help them.”