Morecambe manager Derek Adams has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for December.
Adams said: "We're obviously delighted. I think we've had an excellent December period where we took five wins from some really tough games and collected 15 points to put ourselves in the play-off positions. It was an excellent month for myself, the team and Carlos Gomes, who was shortlisted for the Player of the Month. It’s testament to the whole squad.
“We’ve been a team that has progressed well throughout the season. We’ve been unfortunate in games to have not picked up more points but with the way we’ve created chances, we’re up there with the best teams in the league.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “It was a brilliant December run for Derek and his team, winning five out of six games which propelled them into the Play-Off places.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “December is always tricky for any team, so navigating the month with a 100% record on your home ground has to be commended.
Morecambe were resilient to the extreme in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Inspired by Derek Adams, the Lancashire side won four from four at the Mazuma Stadium, and were even able to take an extra win on the road, putting them in position to be a contender at the turn of the year.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Morecambe have been flying high under Derek Adams all season and The Shrimps topped the form table in December thanks to four wins from five games which has propelled them up to seventh place in the table.
“Morecambe are perennial favourites for relegation and this year was no different. The Lancashire club were chalked up as 4/1 for the drop before a ball was kicked, but after a good run of form, they can be backed at as big as 80/1 for relegation.
“Safe to say we’re pretty confident that Morecambe will continue the trend of being the only club (along with AFC Wimbledon) in the top four levels of English football never to have been relegated!
“Adams’ side are most definitely looking up and not down this season and are 7/1 for promotion from 20/1 at the start of the month.
“They are 9/4 to finish in the top seven, which would represent an excellent season for Adams and his players if they could pull it off.”
The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.