Third Manager of the Month nomination in a row for Saddlers' boss...
SADDLERS' boss, Dean Smith has received his third npower League One Manager of the Month award nomination in a row.He will come up against Leyton Orient's Russell Slade and Portsmouth's Guy Whittingham for the March honour.
Walsall were unbeaten in March with two wins and four draws from our six matches.
With March complete we're heading towards the final straight of another npower League 1 season and now it is time to reward this month’s standout performers, both in the dugout and on the pitch.
The winner will be announced on Friday 12th April, with the final decision being made by two separate Football League judging panels.
The Manager of the Month award is decided by former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers Association Deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and Katy Thomas, npower Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager. The Player of the Month panel sees Katy Thomas joined by Wolves legend Don Goodman, BBC Sport’s Mark Clemmit and The Football League’s Head of Communications, John Nagle.
The nominations for the npower League 1 Manager of the Month Award for March are:
Russell Slade – Leyton Orient
With a total of seven fixtures played, Russell Slade negotiated his O's through a tricky period, collecting 14 points in March. With just one defeat, Leyton Orient finished the month just outside of the Play-Offs with five games to play.
Dean Smith – Walsall
Though he may have wanted more wins, four draws and two wins ensured an undefeated month for Dean Smith and his Walsall side. Finishing the month four points adrift of the Play-Offs, fans of The Saddlers will be hoping this 'hard to beat' mantra can steer them to a shot at promotion.
Guy Whittingham – Portsmouth
It's been a tough season for Pompey fans, but the performance of the team in March certainly gives hope for the future. While relegation may still remain the most likely outcome for Pompey, just one loss in six games suggests that they will be up for the fight right until the end.