Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins has been named the Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Month for December.

Consistency has been a problem for Adkins’ side this season, something he managed to rectify in December - United gained nine points from nine and only conceded one goal as they moved back into the promotion picture.Adkins said: “On behalf of the players, staff and all at Sheffield United, I’d like to thank Sky Bet and The Football League for this Manager of the Month award. It is in recognition of our winning football during the month of December.”George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “December proved to be an excellent month for Nigel as his team gained a 100 per cent record and only conceded one goal in three games.“This is the consistency which he has been looking for and it has taken the club back into the promotion mix.”Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Nigel’s perfect December has thrown the Sky Bet League 1 promotion chase back open.“Sheffield United were hotly-tipped for promotion before the season, but their inconsistency has hindered them up until now. I expect them to push on from their strong Christmas form and must now be considered genuine promotion contenders.”Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “After a tougher than expected start to the season, Nigel Adkins has started to steer the Blades in the right direction.“Three wins out of three made it a Happy Christmas period for the Sheffield United manager, which included a crucial win over promotion rivals Coventry."The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Ipswich Town boss 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.