Ling makes nominees shortlist for League One Manager award

The Manager of the Month shortlist for League One has been announced, with Swindon Town manager Martin Ling making the cut after turning around the Robins’ fortunes.

Ling succeeded Mark Cooper in the first week of November and had an immediate impact with the club taking 9 points from a possible 12. Lifting the club from 23rd when he started and bringing it into December in 17th place in League One.

Other contenders up for the award are Coventry City boss Tony Mowbray, Peterborough United’s Graham Westley and Port Vale boss Rob Page.

The Sky Blues remain in the automatic promotion places heading towards 2016 after ending November unbeaten. Mowbray’s side thrashed league rivals Gillingham 4-1 before earning draws against a well-drilled Bradford and a Doncaster Rovers team resurgent under Darren Ferguson.

Graham Westley has had an impact on Peterborough much like Martin Ling has done with Swindon, with his Posh side the sole bearer of a 100% win record for November. Putting on a show for their fans on away trips with the 5-1 drubbing of Crewe and 4-0 sweep of Scunthorpe. The Posh now into the play-off places.

Despite the strange decision to put Port Vale up for sale by ‘humiliated’ chairman Norman Smurthwaite, the Valiants had plenty to cheer about in November. Securing back-to-back wins since mid-September and going one further to then beat Blackpool at home to take their points tally for the month to 9 out of a possible 12 that takes them to the play-off fringes.