Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for December.
Hughton oversaw another stellar month from his side by steering them to 13 points from a maximum 15 as they continued their serene progress towards automatic promotion.
His calmness under pressure is being transmitted to his players.
Hughton said: “As a manager it`s always wonderful. In effect, I`m only picking it up on behalf of my staff, but more so for the players.
“They`ve been outstanding for me and it`s always a nice feeling when the club gets recognised for a way of playing.
“I`m picking it up on behalf of them.”
George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Chris has made Brighton & Hove Albion the team that you have to finish above to win the Sky Bet Championship.
“Their consistency has been fantastic and the manner they have been playing is a great testament of how Chris manages his team.”
Sky Sports` EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Chris` Brighton side have again exceeded expectations this season as they tussle against his former club Newcastle (where he is still held in high regard by the fans) for the Championship top spot.
“With the resources afforded to him, Chris is performing a brilliant job on the south coast and is quite rightly beginning to gain a reputation as one of the best British coaches out there.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “December is arguably the toughest month in the Sky Bet Championship season with the games coming thick and fast but after a goalless draw to start the month Brighton cut through their opponents in merciless fashion.
“Hughton has assembled a side that is strong in all areas and will be keen to get one over on the team that relieved him of his role just months after winning them promotion.
“Entering December at odds of 4/1 for the title The Seagulls are now just 11/10 to lift the trophy in May.”
