‘AMAZING’ DALE ACE LUND IS TOP OF THE PILE
ROCHDALE manager Brian Barry-Murphy hailed Matthew Lund as ‘amazing’ after the midfielder picked up the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award for January.
The 30-year-old weighed in with four goals and also notched three assists in an inspired month for Dale.
Barry-Murphy said: “It’s fantastic recognition for Matthew, who has been amazing for us all season. Without even realising it, he has become a mentor and a great influence on all of the squad.
“He has always been a really dangerous player attacking-wise for us, but he has taken it to the next level this season.
“He’d be the first one to acknowledge that the players have been doing everything in their power to provide him with the ammunition he needs, but there has been nobody better at getting into the box from midfield and forward areas this season.”
Lund is chuffed to have won the coveted honour.
“Personally, and for the squad, it’s a positive thing for us all,” he said. “Having scored a few goals I thought I might be in contention to win it, so it’s obviously nice to be recognised and for people to see what we’re doing at Rochdale.
“I’m full of confidence – I always go into games thinking I can score goals. This year it has probably paid off a little bit more and the chances seem to be going in a lot more, which I’m pleased about from a personal aspect.”
Hull boss Grant McCann won the manager award after leading the Tigers to 14 points from seven games.
McCann said: “It’s pleasing but this award is not about me, it’s about the collective. It’s about the team, it’s about the squad, it’s about the staff.”