Long overdue award for Jim
COUNTY boss Jim Gannon was rewarded for The Hatters’ fine recent form with the Manager of the Month award for December in the National League North, after his side won four out of four in all competitions.
County’s 100 per cent record also produced three consecutive wins without conceding a goal to propel The Hatters into play-off contention, whilst also meriting Gannon’s first Manager of the Month award across three spells in charge at Edgeley Park, dating back to 2006.
An impressive 1-0 away victory at Gloucester to kick off the final month of 2016 was followed up by a dramatic 3-2 home win over Marine in the FA Trophy, before struggling neighbours Altrincham were dispatched 3-0 at Edgeley Park back in the league.
Courtney Meppen-Walter’s outstanding 30-yard chip rounded off a “perfect month” in a 1-0 win at Harrogate, and Gannon was quick to thank his backroom staff and players for the managerial gong.
“I’m delighted that the sponsors have recognised our results over the past few weeks, but this has been a real team effort, so I’d like to thank my staff and the players for the work they’ve put in,” said the Hatters boss.
“To go through an entire month without conceding a league goal in such a competitive division is a tribute to the way the players have put into practice the hard work on the training ground.”
“We have a really tough month ahead in January, so we won’t be resting on our laurels, because it’s important that we continue and maintain our form into 2017, but this is a great way to start the new year.”
The 1-1 draw with Harrogate on New Year’s Day halted County’s winning run after a late own goal by ‘keeper Ben Hinchliffe, but County soon got back on track with a comfortable 2-0 win at Boston United on Saturday.