Paul Heckingbottom has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September, having also claimed the award for August.

Circumstances decreed that all of Sheffield United’s games in September were away from home. No matter. All three were won, without conceding a goal, as Heckingbottom continued to build his side’s impressive start.

Heckingbottom commented: “Once again it has been a team effort, circumstances saw us on the road throughout September, but we’ve managed to continue our encouraging start.”

“The players, staff and supporters all deserve credit, we’ve got an impressive environment at Bramall Lane and hopefully we will continue to pick up points as we work towards the World Cup break.”

Former Blades boss Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel. He said: “Zero goals conceded in September, all three games away from home and maximum points returned – terrific consistency by Paul’s team secured him a place at the top of the table.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman added: “It’s back-to-back awards for Paul Heckingbottom, and why not? The Blades boss had only three assignments in September, but his side stood up to each task valiantly, navigating a trio of away fixtures to record nine points and zero goals conceded.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies concluded: “Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United won all three games during September and topped the Championship table after 10 games.”

“The Blades were fifth favourites for the title before a ball was kicked at around 10/1, but after continuing their excellent start to the season during September they are now joint favourites for the title alongside Norwich at 2/1 and are odds-on at 4/6 to be promoted back to the Premier League.”