Sky Bet Football League: Ipswich's Mick McCarthy and Tyrone Mings win September awards

Ipswich Town’s Mick McCarthy and Tyrone Mings are the Sky Bet Championship Manager and Player of the Month for September.

McCarthy wins the award after securing an impressive 13 points from a possible 15, which has pushed them up the table and into sixth place.

Town defender Mings has been crucial to Ipswich’s September success, with the 21-year-old offering an attacking threat alongside his defensive qualities.

The judging panel for the awards comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson, Football League Head of Communications John Nagle, League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.

In Sky Bet League One, Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill has been named Manager of the Month after he lifted his side four points clear at the top of the table, while Chesterfield’s Eoin Doyle picks up the Player of the Month award.

The Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award goes to Southend United boss Phil Brown, while Luton Town defender Luke Wilkinson is the Player of the Month.

Here, Sky Sports takes a more in-depth look at the award winners...

Championship Manager of the Month: Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town)

A superb September has seen McCarthy’s side fly up the table, having secured four wins and one draw from five games while conceding just two goals in the process.

After impressing in both attack and defence throughout the month, Goodman believes a play-off push is a real possibility for the Tractor Boys.

“Mick and his team were on a bit of a charge in September,” the former Wolves striker said.

“They certainly have goals in them, and it's given them a platform and the belief to mount a genuine Play-Off challenge.”

Sky Bet’s Lowery added: “Ipswich’s march up the table has prompted us to slash their price for the title from 33/1 at the beginning of September to 16/1. And we make the tractor Boys 5/1 for promotion.”

Championsip Player of the Month: Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town)

Following the departure of full-back Aaron Cresswell to West Ham in the summer, Mings has shown he’s an able deputy by securing Ipswich’s second award of the month.

The highly-rated defender, who assisted goals at Brighton and Wigan, has received lofty praise from his manager who’s delighted with his performances so far.

“Crystal Palace made a big offer for him before the transfer window closed but we want him here for the long term,” McCarthy said.

“He’s a young, exciting player who has made a lot of progress in his time here and it’s great to see that his form has been noticed with this award.

“We’ve acknowledged that as a club too, which is why we offered him a long term deal. He’s done great.”

Goodman has also lauded the Ipswich man, saying: “This flying full-back is showing, at 21, an athleticism and attitude that is great to see.

“He can defend and he can create for his team. No wonder top-flight clubs were courting him.”

League One Manager of the Month: Steve Cotterill (Bristol City)

September was a superb month for City, with Cotterill’s side securing four wins and a draw to cement their place at the summit of League One.