GUIDING Saints to an unbeaten October, manager Russell Martin has received a nomination for the Sky Bet Championship manager of the month award.

Masterminding an 11-point haul in October, Martin oversaw impressive away wins at Stoke and Hull as well as draws with Rotherham and Preston North End.

Concluding an impressive month, Saints comfortably saw off Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham at St Mary’s as Martin’s side moved up into the play-off spots.

Joining the boss on the shortlist are Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick, Leicester’s Enzo Maresca and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna.

Carrick didn’t panic in spite of an abysmal run of results to begin Middlesbrough’s season. A revival that began in September was in full swing this month with 12 points earned from five games, including a stunning 4-0 derby win at Sunderland. 

A perfect month for a Leicester side that continues to adapt seamlessly to Maresca’s methods. The positional interchangeability of his team was impressive as they amassed 18 points and 15 goals from their six games.

A difficult September followed a chaotic transfer window at St Mary’s which makes it even more impressive that Martin was able to restore stability and confidence to guide them through five unbeaten games, collecting 11 points.

Irresistible at Portman Road, resolute away from home. McKenna has forged the perfect early season balance at Ipswich as his attacking side gained a maximum 12 points from four games to move clear in the automatic promotion places.

The winner will be announced on Friday, November 10.