County’s incredible run of form during an unbeaten September has been recognised, with Dave Challinor being named as League Two Manager of the Month, and Louie Barry making it a double by picking up the League Two Player of the Month Award.
It’s the third time that Dave has picked up the Manager of the Month award during his time at County boss, having also won it in December and February last season. It comes after the gaffer steered us to four wins and a draw throughout the month, lifting us from 19th in the table up to 8th – results since have seen us climb up to 2nd.
After picking up the award, the gaffer said:
“It’s really a management team of the month award for us, because a lot of work goes on behind the scenes every day to ensure that we’re the best version of ourselves come match day. For myself and Louie to win both awards this month is great for the team, because it provides more positive reinforcement that we’re doing the right things and heading in the right direction.
“Performance-wise we’ve not been too different to what we were in August, but we’ve started to take our chances and cut out the mistakes at the other end, and of course with every positive result the confidence and the momentum builds. The results have put us in a really good place, but we’re only a quarter of the way into the season, so the message is to keep that consistency in what we’re doing, and make sure we’re in a similar position come April and May.”
Winning the Player of the Month award continues a remarkable start to Louie Barry’s County career, with the 20-year-old scoring in all five of County’s games in September, as well as providing a further three assists for his teammates. It was part of a record-breaking run for the Villa youngster, who became the first post-war County player to score in seven successive EFL games.
After winning the award, Louie said:
“It’s obviously been a great month for me personally, but for the team as well – for us to pick up the points we have done in September has put us in a really strong position, and I’m pleased to have played my part in that.
“I’m loving my time at County right now – the team, the manager, the style of play, it all really suits me and how I like to play. I knew coming here that I wanted to get my numbers up and start contributing with more goals and assists, so to score in seven straight games, breaking the club record – it’s been the perfect start, and hopefully there’s lots more to come. As a team we feel like we’re really coming together and getting better every week, and I’m sure there’s still a lot more to come from us.”
His manager went on to say:
“Delighted for Louie, the award is obviously great recognition for him and his form, but I’m sure he’d also be the first to acknowledge that it’s been a real team effort that has seen us, and him, be so successful over the last month or so.
“We knew when bringing him into the club what he was capable of in terms of taking on and beating players, and dribbling with the ball; what he’s really added to his game during his time with us are obviously the goals and assists to go along with that now.
“To break a club record of scoring in seven consecutive games was a brilliant achievement, particularly for someone so young, and the exciting thing for us is that we know there’s still a lot more to come from him. He’s really enjoying his football right now and continuing to improve every week, so long may that continue.”
