The official shortlist for the EFL Championship Manager of the Season award has been unveiled, featuring a quartet of managers who have demonstrably steered their clubs through significant campaigns. Frank Lampard of Coventry City, Alex Neil of Millwall, Sergej Jakirovic of Hull City, and Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough are the four individuals recognized for their tactical acumen and leadership. The selections highlight a season marked by varied club trajectories, from promotion pushes to mid-table stability and overcoming pre-season challenges.
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard appears a strong contender, having guided his team to the top of the Championship. His side needs only four more points from their remaining five matches to secure promotion to the Premier League, a feat not achieved by the club in 25 years. Reports indicate Lampard is leading the race, with 25 wins from 41 matches and a 12-point lead over second-place Ipswich Town.
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Alex Neil is recognized for transforming Millwall into "genuine contenders," while Sergej Jakirovic's nomination acknowledges Hull City's unexpected rise, particularly given their prior season's struggle against relegation and significant transfer restrictions. Kim Hellberg also makes the list for his debut season in England with Middlesbrough.
The nominations come as part of the broader EFL Awards, with other categories including Player of the Season, League One, and League Two Manager of the Season awards also seeing shortlists revealed. Notable omissions from the Championship Manager of the Season shortlist, despite notable mid-season turnarounds, include managers such as Tonda Eckert and Philippe Clement, who took charge of Southampton and Norwich City respectively in November. Their exclusion has drawn commentary, with some observers questioning the EFL's selection criteria.
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Managerial Paths and Club Fortunes
The nominated managers represent a spectrum of managerial achievements:
Frank Lampard (Coventry City): Leading a dominant promotion charge, aiming for Premier League return.
Alex Neil (Millwall): Orchestrating a resurgence, elevating Millwall into a competitive position.
Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City): Navigating a team that narrowly avoided relegation last season, now in contention for play-off places despite severe transfer restrictions.
Kim Hellberg (Middlesbrough): A debut season in England marked by consistent performance, placing the club among the contenders.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live, with the exact date and time yet to be fully detailed across all reports.
