Frank Lampard among nominees as Eckert wins manager award
Tonda Eckert was named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for February after Southampton went unbeaten with four wins and a draw from five league matches, extending a run to 11 games in all competitions. frank lampard was one of the managers Eckert beat for the prize, a sign the club's late-season surge is being recognised at league level.
Tonda Eckert's February run
Eckert oversaw a month that produced 13 points and 14 goals, with a debut strike from Cyle Larin against Watford, a historic comeback victory at Leicester from three goals down, a 1-1 draw with Charlton at St Mary’s, a 5-0 win over QPR and a 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday. The pattern suggests Eckert's side combined attacking output and resilience in February to convert form into points on multiple fronts.
Frank Lampard nomination details
Coventry City's frank lampard was named alongside Philippe Clement of Norwich and Alex Neil of Millwall as a manager nominated for the award that Eckert claimed. The figures point to Eckert outpacing peers across the month, with the nod over frank lampard underlining that Southampton's turnaround drew direct comparison with clubs challenging near the top of the Championship.
Southampton's climb to play-offs
Eckert was appointed Southampton's permanent head coach in December after a spell in interim charge when Will Still was sacked at the start of November, and he has won 12 of his 23 league games, taking the club from 21st place into the race for a top-six finish. The record suggests the managerial change has produced measurable progress in league results and table position.
February player awards and context
Millwall's Femi Azeez won the Championship Player of the Month after helping Millwall win four of their five games in February; the 24-year-old made five goal contributions and opened the scoring with a volley in a 3-0 win over Birmingham. Saints midfielder Leo Scienza was among those pipped for the player prize, which highlights that individual form at Millwall and Southampton played a clear role in their respective February results.
Saints will return to St Mary's after four games on the road with a home clash against Norwich on Wednesday 18th March (7. 45pm GMT (3: 45 pm ET)). If Eckert's February form continues into that fixture, the match could be decisive for Southampton's push to secure a top-six place.
