Manager of the month hat-trick for Yorkshire boss

As well as being the month the former Barnsley and Leeds United boss took Sheffield United back into the Premier League after a two-year absence, it was also when they reached the FA Cup semi-final and were beaten but far from disgraced by treble-chasing Manchester City.

The Blades only other defeat of the month was to Burnley, winning every other game having well and truly recovered from the wobble which opened the door a touch to chasers Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

Heckingbottom's part in that has been huge, protecting his players from the potentially distraction of an apparently failed takeover bid and various other financial problems.

It is the third time this season he has taken the prize, having won it in August and September.

Midfielder James McAtee missed out as the player of the month to Coventry City's Gustavo Hamer.