Robins, McGoldrick win awards
Coventry City boss Mark Robins and Ipswich Town striker David McGoldrick, who was with the Sky Blues until days ago, are rewarded for their fine form this month by landing the npower League One manager and player-of-the-month awards.
Thirteen points from a possible 15 is impressive enough but, with three victories coming away from home including two against promotion hopefuls Doncaster Rovers and Milton Keynes Dons, City fans have every reason to look forward to 2013.
With four wins and a draw from five December league fixtures, Robins ensured a very merry Christmas for the Sky Blues’ supporters.
The focal point of the Sky Blues’ attack, his positional play and calmness in front of goal were evident as he scored twice against both Walsall and in the 4-1 win at promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers. The Nottingham Forest striker has now joined Championship side Ipswich Town on loan, but his sensational form at Coventry could not be overlooked.
The goal scoring force behind Coventry’s great form was on-loan forward McGoldrick.
The player-of-the-month panel sees Emma Collins joined by Wolves legend Don Goodman, BBC Sport’s Mark Clemmit and The Football League’s Head of Communications, John Nagle.
The two awards are determined by two separate expert panels. The manager-of-the-month award is determined by former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers Association Deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and npower Sponsorship Manager Emma Collins.
Speaking about Robins' win, panel member Curbishley said: "Mark Robins has really given Coventry fans something to shout about, going unbeaten in December and moving the Sky Blues towards the play-off places.”
Collins added: “Mark Robins really was the stand out candidate this month. Four wins and a draw out of five games is a fine achievement on its own, but when you look at the calibre of opponent and amount of away fixtures, you realise it has been a very special spell.
“Although he is now with another club, David McGoldrick had a cracking month with Coventry City and was a key contributor to their great run. If he can keep up his own form, he should excel at Ipswich Town, but I’m sure Coventry City fans will be grateful for his contribution.”