Preston North End manager Simon Grayson and full back Scott Laird have been nominated for League One Manager and Player of the Month respectively for September.
The nominations for the Sky Bet League One awards come on the back of some impressive performances by the Lilywhites which has seen the team pick up a maximum of 12 points from four games.
Grayson has been nominated alongside former PNE boss Darren Ferguson, who will square off against his former side on Saturday when North End travel to Peterborough, new Carlisle United boss Graham Kavanagh and Walsall’s Dean Smith.
As for Laird, he has returned to his attacking best following his long spell out last season with a broken leg, capped off with a goal against former side Stevenage.
The PNE No.3 faces competition from Peterborough’s Britt Assombalonga, Leyton Orient striker David Mooney and Bradford City’s Kyel Reid.
“A perfect month with a maximum four victories and a goal differential of 8-2,” said Football League expert and Daily Mail columnist Ivan Speck when asked about Grayson’s nomination.
“The experience he brought in through the likes of Kevin Davies this summer began to pay off and brought belief back to the Deepdale faithful.”
And speaking of Laird, Speck added: “Returned to his rampaging best during September as an attacking left-back who provides assists and goals.
“He did both in the 3-0 win over former club Stevenage and has added balance and power on the left side of the Preston team."
The judging panel of former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley; Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins will decide if Grayson is to be rewarded following a successful September for the Lilywhites, whilst Goodman; Dixon; Wiggins and Football League Head of Communications John Nagle will vote on Laird’s panel.
The winners of both awards will be announced on Friday 4th October, good luck to both Simon and Scott.