Blackpool's Neil Critchley to battle it out for League One manager of the month award with Crewe, Shrewsbury and Oxford bosses

The Seasiders were the division’s form side at one stage last month having beaten promotion contenders Portsmouth, Fleetwood Town and Hull City.

Critchley’s men also recorded draws against Oxford United and Accrington Stanley before ending the month with a disappointing defeat at Shrewsbury Town in their final fixture of 2020.

In total, Blackpool claimed 11 points from their six games in the month of December.

Pool’s head coach faces competition from Crewe Alexandra boss Dave Artell, new Shrewsbury manager Steve Cotterill and Oxford’s Karl Robinson.

Artell’s Crewe remained unbeaten during December, picking up 14 points from their six games.

Shrewsbury, meanwhile, pulled away from the relegation places thanks to an impressive 15-point haul.

Cotterill’s side, who were 23rd when he took over, claimed eye-catching 1-0 wins away at Hull City, Lincoln City and Doncaster Rovers before recording the same scoreline against Blackpool at the New Meadow on December 29.

Oxford were another team that had started the season slowly but Robinson began to turn it around in December, his side remaining unbeaten in their six games and winning the last three to collect 12 points and four clean sheets.

The winner will be announced on Friday.

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