Sign me up for news alerts

Steve Lovell has been named Sky Bet League 1 manager-of-the-month for January.

Lovell led Gillingham to four wins from four during the opening month of the year.

He became the first Gills manager to win at rivals Charlton on New Year's Day.

Gillingham boss Steve Lovell with his Sky Bet manager-of-the-month trophy for January Picture: JMP/Sky Bet

The Gills followed that up with home wins over Rochdale and Fleetwood, either side of a 3-1 victory over high-flying Scunthorpe.

Since taking charge of the Gills, Lovell has pulled the club clear of the bottom four and into mid-table, as high as 10th place following the Fleetwood win.

That winning run was only ended last weekend, with defeat to the league leaders Wigan.

Also in the running for the award was Wimbledon's Neal Ardley, Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke and Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray.

Lovell responded to the nomination this week, describing it as a team effort.

He said: "It is nice to be recognised for the hard work, not just for me, but for all my staff and everyone at the club.”