Neil misses out on top boss award

WYCOMBE boss Gareth Ainsworth has pipped play-off final rival Alex Neil to the League One Manager of the Month award for April.

The pair, who will go head-tohead in the dugout at Wembley a week today, were nominated for the award after ending April with near-identical records.

Sunderland and Wycombe collected 17 points from seven games in April, with each side scoring 13 goals, to finish the month unbeaten and secure play-off spots.

Wycombe conceded four goals across the month while Sunderland conceded five, but Neil’s Black Cats finished in fifth place and the Chairboys sixth.

Former Barnsley and Hartlepool boss Danny Wilson, who chairs the manager of the month judging panel, said: “Gareth’s Wycombe sprinted through April and snatched a play-off place with a 17-point return after seven unbeaten games.

“Wins against play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth enabled them to catapult into the top six on the final day of the season.”

Former Sunderland striker, Don Goodman added: “Wycombe saved their best until last this season and will look back on a

2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle as a crucial part of an April run which ultimately gave them a place in this season’s play-offs.

“May could be even better as they overcame the threat of an extremely good MK Dons team to leave themselves 90 minutes away from a return to the Championship.”

Ainsworth said: “April was a massive month for us, particularly coming back after a two-week international break and hoping to carry on momentum from a good run of results in March.

“The boys were brilliant in every department and it was a fantastic achievement for us to break into the top six, particularly with lots of teams around us picking up good results as well.

“I am delighted to win the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award, which is testament to the hard work and focus of everyone at the club.”