Championship awards for August revealed as Josh Sargent wins and one manager proves everyone wrong

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As the league fixtures get going again tonight after the international break, we can reveal the winners of the Championship awards for August.

What a start to the season it has been in the Championship.

Teams like Stoke City and Middlesbrough have been surprising us. Sheffield United have been shockingly bad. And Coventry City recorded a record-breaking 7-1 win over QPR to become the division’s entertainers.

It’s not surprising then, that the likes of Frank Lampard and Rob Edwards were nominated for manager of the month awards in August.

Meanwhile, the goals have been flowing for Josh Sargent at Norwich City. Predictably, then, he’s the winner of the player of the month award for August.

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Josh Sargent crowned Championship player of the month

While Ross McCrorie, Sorba Thomas, and Victor Torp all impressed last month, it’s Josh Sargent who stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Norwich forward proved he’s one of the best players in the Championship with five goals in four games.

On being given the latest in a long line of Championship awards, Sargent said: “I’m really happy and proud to receive this award. For sure, there’s been a lot of noise during recent months, but I’ve been fully focussed on doing everything I can to help the team.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the club, but especially my teammates, for their support. We’re excited for the season ahead and we must now continue to build on some of our recent performances.”

Sargent’s manager, Liam Manning, added to the appraisals, saying: “The way he has applied himself during this period, both on and off the pitch, speaks volumes. We’re all delighted that we’ve been able to keep hold of him. He has already shown this season how important and valuable he is to us.

“He’s a really high level striker. We’ve seen that in what he has produced so far, so it’s now about him maintaining those levels and standards. We’re really enjoying working with him and looking forward to seeing what he can continue to bring to the group.”

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Rob Edwards wins Championship manager of the month award

The manager of the month award was probably tougher. While West Brom were named the most impressive team by the folks on the Second Tier podcast, it’s top-of-the-table Middlesbrough and Rob Edwards that take the award here.

Don Goodman, part of the judging panel, said: “It’s been a brilliant start to Rob Edwards’ time in the Middlesbrough dugout. His team have set the pace in the Championship in the opening month, winning four from four.

“Whilst the opening day win over Swansea was a somewhat dour affair decided by a set-piece, the performances have improved game on game, rightfully giving cause for optimism.”

On Boro’s impressive start and being the winner of August’s Championship awards, Edwards said: “It’s a big team effort from everyone, players, staff and supporters. It’s great to get some recognition for that. There’s a nice feeling around the place. I’m lucky to work with some good people and some good players. I’ve really been welcomed by the fantastic supporters, so it’s been good.

“It’s been great to get some results early doors. But, equally we’re only four games in and there’s 42 to go so we’re not getting carried away. Performances have been good – we’ve deserved the victories – and I think there’s more to come from us. We have to focus on staying level and being consistent because we have some talent here.”