Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for October.
Any Walsall fans worried by a winless September and a mounting injury list had those doubts swept away as Flynn guided his side to 14 points from seven games, which included winning all four home fixtures by an 8-2 aggregate.
Flynn said: “I’m delighted to have won the award. I want to thank all of my staff, it’s a real team effort from Mandy the chef, the groundsman, Trivela, Leigh Pomlett and the fans.
“A special thank you to Wayne Hatswell who has been by my side for every one of the Manager of the Month awards I’ve won.
“After a bad September where I do feel we were playing some decent football, we just didn’t get the results we deserved but I believe in the players and it’s down to them that we’ve won Manager of the Month.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “14 points from seven games has lifted Michael and his Walsall team within touching distance of the Play-Off positions, adding to the feel good factor. To win all four home games is always a boost for the faithful supporters.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Michael Flynn worked wonders for his side in October, turning a poor run of form on its head as they began to head in the right direction at again at last.
“Averaging two points per game is a pretty good return in the EFL, and that’s the level Flynn’s Saddlers were at last month.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Any Walsall fans that were worried about a winless September and a growing injury list had those doubts cast aside during October as Michael Flynn guided his team to fourteen points from seven league games, including winning all four home games at the Bescot.
“Going into the month sat just three points above the drop zone, and an 11/1 chance for relegation, after the Saddlers brilliant October, they now sit comfortably in mid-table and as big as 40/1 for the drop.
“They may even take a look up the table and are now just 3/1 to make the top 7.”
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.