Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award for November.
Warne guided the Rams through the month unbeaten in all competitions including picking up one win and two draws in the league - with all three of those matches coming away from home.
November started with a 1-1 draw on the road at Morecambe. After falling behind prior to the break, midfielder Louie Sibley levelled things up in the second-half to ensure the Rams left Lancashire with a point. It could and probably should have been all three but for two missed penalties either side of half-time from James Collins and David McGoldrick.
There was no denying the Rams their three points during their second trip of the month away at MK Dons as they ran out 3-1 winners. Once again Warne’s men found themselves trailing in the first half but this time hit back almost instantly through Haydon Roberts’ first senior goal.
The second half was one of pure dominance from a Derby perspective and they were in front before the hour when striker James Collins volleyed home from a corner.
Winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing sealed the three points with a lovely strike in front of the 6,500 strong travelling fans.
A 0-0 draw away at Portsmouth rounded off November’s league fixtures and saw Derby move within one point of the Sky Bet League One play-off places.
With a number of key players missing through injury, Warne was forced to play a number of players out of position for the game and they all fought tooth and nail to ensure the Rams came away with a point from their promotion rivals at Fratton Park.
Throughout the month, the team showed that they were taking on Warne’s messaging and steadily improving game after game as they closed in on the top six.
As a reward for November’s efforts, Warne has been nominated for the monthly accolade alongside Michael Duff of Barnsley, Wade Elliott of Cheltenham Town and Darren Moore of Sheffield Wednesday.
The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.
The winner will be announced on Friday 9th December.
