Mowbray and Sturrock claim manager awards

MIDDLESBROUGH have completed a clean sweep as Tony Mowbray and Matthew Bates claimed the npower Championship’s manager and player of the month awards for September.

Former Hibernian and Celtic manager Mowbray guided Boro to two wins and two draws from their four league matches last month, steering the club to second place in the process, with skipper Bates having helped keep four clean sheets in those games.

Speaking about Bates, Mowbray told the club’s official website, www.mfc.co.uk: “Matthew has played an integral role as captain and central defender in a team that has kept four clean sheets during September. Such an achievement is always a collective effort, of course, but Matthew has led by example and richly deserves this honour.”

Paul Sturrock landed League Two’s manager of the month award for his efforts with Southend, who have won their past four league games and sit top of the table.

Meanwhile, Bristol City chairman Colin Sexstone has revealed the club expect to have completed interviewing a shortlist of “five or six” applicants for the vacant manager’s position at Ashton Gate by this evening. Sexstone insists he received interest from over 50 serious contenders to replace Keith Millen, but dismissed newspaper claims that Robins goalkeeper David James was one of those to have put his name forward.

St Johnstone’s Derek McInnes has been touted as a serious candidate for the post with the Championship club.