Ian Holloway, Ronnie Moore and Martin Allen are the npower Football League managers of the month for August.

npower Championship

League leaders Blackpool got the reward that their great start to the season deserved today as Ian Holloway and Thomas Ince picked up the npower Championship Manager and Player of the Month awards for August.

Under Holloway's guidance, The Seasiders bounced back from their Play-Off final disappointment and won their first three npower Championship fixtures, scoring 10 goals in the process. With four goals and four assists in the month, exciting young striker Thomas Ince has clearly played a critical role in their great start and is a deserving winner.

npower Sponsorship Manager Emma Collins said: "We're delighted to present both Ian and Thomas with their awards as recognition for Blackpool's impressive start to the season.

"Their sensational start is all the more impressive given they had the heartbreak of a Play-Off Final defeat in May, so to come back so strongly shows great resolve both as individuals and as a team."

Speaking on Holloway's fine start, panel member Alan Curbishley commented: "It's been a fantastic start to the season for Blackpool following their play-off disappointment in May. Scoring 10 goals in just 3 games whilst recording a 100% record certainly bodes well for Holloway's side for the season ahead."

npower League One

Wirral outfit Tranmere Rovers got the reward that their great start to the season deserved today as Ronnie Moore and Andy Robinson picked up the npower League 1 Manager and Player of the Month awards for August.

Under Moore's guidance, The Prenton Park residents finished unbeaten in August, with Andy Robinson an undeniably positive influence on their strong start. He scored a sensational hat-trick in a 3-0 win against Carlisle United and has constantly impressed so far this term.

npower Sponsorship Manager Emma Collins said: "We're delighted to present both Ronnie and Andy with their awards as recognition for Tranmere Rovers' impressive start to the season.

"They've had a great start and if they can continue to maintain this form, a shot at promotion beckons."

Speaking on Moore's solid start, panel member Alan Curbishley commented: "It's been a very solid start to the new campaign for Tranmere with their unbeaten record seeing them right amongst the npower League 1 promotion pack at this early stage. Ronnie has done a great job since taking charge in what is his third managerial spell at Prenton Park."

npower League Two

Gillingham boss Martin Allen and Oxford United starlet Jake Wright have been rewarded for their fine starts to this season, picking up the npower League 2 Manager and Player of the Month awards.

Under Allen's guidance, The Gills finished August with a 100% winning record, including two impressive away wins against Wycombe Wanderers and Dagenham & Redbridge. Oxford United have also enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning all three of their npower League 2 fixtures and conceding just one goal. Influential defender and captain Jake Wright has led by example so far this season with his own form and is duly rewarded.

npower Sponsorship Manager Emma Collins said: "We're delighted to present both Martin and Jake with their awards as recognition for their impressive starts to the season.

"Gillingham's fine form is even more impressive when you look at the number of away wins, while Jake has clearly played a key role in leading Oxford United's solid defence."

Speaking on Allen's solid start, panel member Alan Curbishley commented: "You simply can't argue with Martin's impact at Gillingham. A 100% winning record is a great start and the away wins are a good indication that they could well challenge for promotion this year."


The judging panel for the npower Manager of the Month awards comprises former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, BBC Sport's Mark Clemmit, League Managers Association Deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and npower Head of Sponsorship Emma Collins.