The buzz this September in the Championship has revolved around Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town, as both clubs soared with undefeated records, thrusting their key figures into the spotlight for the monthly EFL accolades.
Ipswich Town's winger Jaden Philogene took the league by storm, netting four times in just three matches, including a stellar hat-trick in a resounding 5-0 triumph over Sheffield United. His exploits have rightly earned him a player of the month nomination, underscoring his crucial role in the Tractor Boys' recent successes.
Charlton's James Bree wasn't far behind in his contributions, with two goals and as many assists across four games, reflecting a robust form that helped bolster the Addicks' campaign. These performances clearly highlight why he's also in the running for the prestigious player of the month award.
On the managerial side, the nominations are just as compelling. Charlton's Nathan Jones and Ipswich's Kieran McKenna have been instrumental in orchestrating their teams' unbeaten runs, earning them both nominations for the manager of the month. However, they're not without stiff competition.
Preston North End's Paul Heckingbottom and Queens Park Rangers' very own Julien Stephen are also contenders, both having led their teams through an undefeated September. It's particularly exhilarating to see Stephen getting recognition, as it ties into the broader resurgence and ambition at QPR, showing that perhaps this could indeed be the start of another glorious chapter akin to the 2010-2011 season where we clinched the Championship title.
Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan and Hull City's Ollie McBurnie round out the player of the month nominations. McBurnie's consistent scoring, with goals in each of September's four games, resulted in a total of five, showcasing his striking prowess. Meanwhile, Bannan's influential performances have not only included scoring but also setting up his teammates, seen in his opening goal and two assists that propelled Wednesday to vital points this month.
With QPR firmly placed in the top six and showing signs of a potentially victorious season ahead, the excitement is palpable among fans and pundits alike. As teams jostle and strategies evolve, the Championship is poised to offer more twists, turns, and tales of triumph.
To wrap up with a light-hearted jab at our London rivals: How many Chelsea fans does it take to change a light bulb? None, they're too busy living in the past, reminiscing about when they could actually see their team winning! Let's march on, Rangers, to more victories and perhaps, just perhaps, leaving those Blues in our luminous dust!