A maximum nine points from Mansfield Town's three September games has seen boss Nigel Clough nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month Award.

Clough has overseen a seamless transition to League One following promotion, showing his versatility by changing formations for different opponents, yet still maintaining momentum and leading Mansfield to a perfect September's return.

He is up against Matt Bloomfield (Wycombe Wanderers), Chris Davies (Birmingham City) and Blackpool's Steve Bruce, who Mansfield beat at the weekend.

If August contained difficult fixtures and the need to bed in new signings, September offered proof that Bloomfield’s possession-based, through-the-lines approach is working, moving Wycombe into the top half with three wins from three games.

Nigel Clough after September's win over Cambridge.

A multiple Championship Manager of the Month winner, Bruce used his experience and know-how to superb effect in Sky Bet League One, winning a perfect first four games at Blackpool, simplifying tactics and allowing his new players to express themselves.

Under Davies, table-topping Birmingham have become a relentless, high-cadence team, wearing down opponents with slick passing and high fitness levels.

That was evident as they came from behind in two of their three victories from three matches.

The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies and winners will be announced on Friday.

Clough won EFL League Two Manager of the Month for February 2024 and at the end of year EFL Awards, Clough was named as the League Two Manager of the Season.

Mansfield Town's Nigel Clough gets EFL September Manager of the Month nomination