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The winners of the Championship Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards are in, and it’s a double whammy for Sheffield United.
Earlier this week we announced the nominees for the Championship’s awards for March, with recognition for teams and personnel at the top and bottom of the league.
While Derby County and Luton Town’s recent resurgence caught the eye with John Eustace and Matt Bloomfield commended for their work in altering the Championship relegation battle, the success of Sheffield United and Burnley also attracted attention.
But, while the Blades have suffered a blip in the last two matches, it is their ‘impressive’ run of form in March that has led to them bagging two awards this week.
Chris Wilder claims Manager of the Month award for March
The Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for March has been given to Chris Wilder, who led his team to an unbeaten run and four wins out of five last month, taking the Blades to the summit of the Championship table.
On winning the award, Wilder said: “It is a team effort and the team I’m referring to is everyone of a red and white persuasion. March was a vitally important month for us, with some high pressure games, but we came through it to put ourselves in a fantastic position to challenge.
“I’m so proud of what we have achieved so far this season and I’m not ashamed to talk about it. This club has been through a lot this season from the ownership change, pre- season struggles, getting players in, the points deduction, trying to put a team together to hit the ground running and having a target on our backs straight away from coming down from the Premier League in the manner that we did.”
Danny Wilson, the man at the head of the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “A very impressive month for Chris and his side. A tough fixture list in March saw United gain 13 precious points in their race for automatic promotion and a confidence boosting Sheffield derby win over rivals Wednesday.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman added: “Sheffield United have kept finding a way to win this season and their consistency has put them in great contention for a return to the Premier League. Chris Wilder did a magnificent job rallying and rebuilding the club after relegation last season.”
Tyrese Campbell crowned Player of the Month for March
Meanwhile, it is Wilder’s star man, Tyrese Campbell, who has picked up the Player of the Month for March, beating Marcus Harness, Jordan Clark, and Sheffield Wednesday defender Michael Ihiekwe.
On the award, Campbell said: “I’m thankful for the award but it needs to be shared with the whole squad. We bring the best out of each other, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and fight for each other until the end, as you see out there every week.
“It is amazing to come into a team like this and it has been a fresh start for me, one which I have relished. Being under pressure and playing games with huge importance every week has been a new challenge for me, but I am loving it.”
Don Goodman added: “Sheffield United had an impressive March and there is no doubt Tyrese Campbell played his part. He is looking confident in front of goal and scored in four of his five games last month, while also playing an important role in the winner against Sheffield Wednesday.
“Chris Wilder will be relying on his in-form striker as we move into the final few weeks of the season, with a huge game away at Burnley just around the corner.”
While Campbell is unlikely to make a charge for the Championship Golden Boot now, his ten goals this season could well end up being the key to United’s push for promotion.