Cobblers pair Wilder and Holmes nominated for Sky Bet League Two January awards

Chris Wilder is up for the manager of the month prize, while winger Ricky Holmes has been named in the player of the month category.

Wilder, who won the November award, guided the Cobblers to the top of the league two table in the first month of 2016, with his team winning four out of four.

Town saw off Barnet 3-0, won 2-1 at then leaders Plymouth, edged past Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 and then coasted to a 3-1 victory over Morecambe.

Wilder’s competition for the award comes from Neal Ardley of AFC Wimbledon, Paul Tisdale of Exeter City and Darren Way of Yeovil Town.

Wimbledon won three and lost one of their four league games in January, Exeter claimed three wins and a draw, while Yeovil won three and lost one.

Holmes is up against Mansfield Town midfielder Chris Clements, Morecambe striker Shaun Miller and Oxford United defender Jake Wright.

The Cobblers man provided two assists in the month as well as two goals in league games, including that stunning volleyed winner at Dagenham & Redbridge. He also notched twice in the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Milton Keynes.

Clements scored three goals, including unstoppable free-kicks against Accrington Stanley and Stevenage, Miller scored in four of his club’s five games in January, while Wright impressed in the Oxford defence, playing a vital part in their crucial 1-0 win at promotion rivals Portsmouth.

The winners will be announced on Friday.

The judging panel for the manager award comprises of former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.

The player award is decided by Goodman, Football League Head of Communications John Nagle and Lowery.