'I’m absolutely full of pride' - Wycombe's Matt Bloomfield wins Manager of the Month

Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield has been named the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for October.

The 40-year-old, who was also nominated for the September edition but lost to Blackpool’s Steve Bruce, saw his side score 12 goals and secure 13 points in five unbeaten games to surge into the top two.

Additionally, five of these strikes were scored by players he brought on in games – this includes Richard Kone’s nine minute hat-trick against Peterborough on October 19.

Speaking on his award, Bloomfield said: “I’m absolutely full of pride to be named the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month.

“There is so much hard work that goes into getting the results that we’ve achieved lately, particularly in the manner we’ve performed in those games, and to go up against some very esteemed and excellent managers on the shortlist and win this award is especially pleasing.

“I really believe that your football club is only as strong as the players on the pitch and the fans that follow them across the country.

“As a manager and a group of staff, we have an idea of how we want to play and go about our business, but the players are the ones who bring it to life and we wouldn’t have had the results we’ve had without the players’ application and endeavour every single day.

“Football isn’t linear; there’s always bumps on the road and you have to be proud of moments like this and get ready for the next challenge.

Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel.

He said: “Unbeaten in October, Wycombe kept up with the pace at the top of League One with an impressive haul of four wins and a draw. They also scored 12 goals adding even more confidence for Matt and the squad.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman added: “Wycombe are flying in League One picking up 13 points from five matches.

“The best managers know how to influence games and Bloomfield’s substitutions had a big influence on their month, five of their 12 goals came from the bench, helping them move into the automatic promotion places.”

Finally, Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies concluded: “Matt Bloomfield guided his Wycombe side through an exceptional October, notching up four wins and a draw from five league games. This impressive run has lifted them into second place in League One, just behind 1/2 title favourites Birmingham.

“Initially assessed as mid-table contenders at 6/1 for promotion Wycombe had a slowish start to the season.

“But October saw them hit their stride and their odds of playing in the Championship next season have now shortened to 2/1.”