Jim Bentley named the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month for August
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley said he was delighted to be named the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month for August.
It is the first time that Jim has lifted the award since taking over as boss and he was full of praise for his players and backroom staff after collecting the honour.
Jim said: "It's a fantastic achievement and I am proud of what we have achieved so far.
"The credit goes to the players and the backroom staff however as they have been magnificent so far this season. The staff worked hard over the summer to make sure our preparations were as good as they could be and I could not have asked for more from the players.
"They came back fit and strong and been absolutely superb and this award is testament to their efforts.''
Bentley inspired the players around him to four straight wins to start the campaign.
The team spirit he engendered was shown in abundance in the 3-2 comeback win over Newport County.
Dave Bassett chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Bentley has masterminded a great start for Morecambe in Sky Bet League 2.
“Their four straight wins marked a great start to the new season for The Shrimps where they are amongst the early pace setters.”
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Six goals in their first two games is some start. Jim’s half-time talk against Newport must have been inspirational!”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Bentley has mixed youth with experience and it is paying dividends.
“They rewarded fans who had backed our pre-season special for them to take nine points from their first three matches at a massive 22/1.”
In the Sky Bet Championship, Kenny Jacket of Wolverhampton Wanderers was named Sky Bet Manager of the Month.
The Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Month Award went to Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson.
The judging panel is chaired by former Football League manager Dave Bassett with Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery