The ‘run-in’ is underway in the Football League, and everything is still to play for in all three leagues.
Every season the Championship is one of the tightest divisions in the world, and this year is no different.
With most teams having just 12 or 13 games to play, we take a look at four contenders for the Championship manager of the season.
Chris Hughton – Brighton
Brighton have been the surprise package of the Championship this season. They began the season with a 21 match unbeaten run, which was eventually ended emphatically by Middlesbrough. Hughton’s side currently find themselves in 4th place in the table, just one point behind second placed Hull City. They’re 11 points clear of 7th place, which stands them in very good stead to at least be in the play-offs come May.
Simon Grayson – Preston
Not a contender that everyone would agree with, but Simon Grayson has done a fantastic job at Preston this season. Following promotion via the League One play offs in the last campaign, Preston have more than held their own in the Championship, and currently find themselves in 10th place. They’re only seven points adrift of the play-offs, and still have an outside chance of reaching them. They were many people’s favourites for the drop this season, but there’s an impressive 19 point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Carlos Carvalhal – Sheffield Wednesday
The Portuguese boss must be loving his first taste of management with Sheffield Wednesday. In his first season with the club, they currently sit in 6th place, three points clear of the chasing pack. Sheffield Wednesday have been an ever-present figure in the Championship in recent seasons, but have always struggled to make any sort of impact towards the top end. This season has been different though, and although Carvalhal has been heavily backed by investment from the owners, he’s still worked wonders to get Wednesday to where they are now.
Sean Dyche – Burnley
Following their relegation from the Premiership last season, morale was low at Turf Moor. Dyche has a good quality squad at his disposal, but has still done an excellent job to ensure they maintain their performances week in week out. The signing of Andre Gray was a brilliant acquisition, and has helped Burnley to top spot at the current moment. The ‘ginger Mourinho’ as he’s known in Lancashire will hope his side can maintain their current form, and make an immediate return to the top flight.
