Full Breakdown
EFL Championship Awards 2026: Manager and Player of the Season Shortlists Announced
4/9/2026, 1:48:39 PM
Key Nominees for Manager of the Season
The English Football League (EFL) has revealed its shortlist for the Championship Manager of the Season award, featuring four candidates: Frank Lampard of Coventry City, Alex Neil of Millwall, Sergej Jakirovic of Hull City, and Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough. The winners will be announced at the EFL Awards ceremony on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in London, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
Frank Lampard has led Coventry City to the brink of promotion to the Premier League, needing just four points from their remaining five matches to secure their first top-flight appearance in 25 years. Kim Hellberg has maintained Middlesbrough's position within the automatic promotion places since taking over in November, while Alex Neil has guided Millwall to 21 victories this season, second only to Coventry's 25. Jakirovic, in his debut season, has successfully taken Hull City into playoff contention after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
Championship Player of the Season Contenders
The nominees for the Championship Player of the Season include Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, Millwall forward Femi Azeez, and Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik. Vipotnik stands out as the division's top scorer with 20 goals, while Rushworth has been pivotal in Coventry's title challenge. Hackney has been a consistent performer for Middlesbrough, and Azeez has contributed significantly to Millwall's campaign with eight goals and seven assists.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite the strong performances of Tonda Eckert, the manager of Southampton, who has achieved 16 wins in 27 matches since his appointment, he was notably absent from the shortlist. This omission has sparked criticism among fans and commentators, with many arguing that Eckert's record merits recognition. Some have suggested that Hellberg's nomination is undeserved, given that he has benefited from the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Rob Edwards.
Official Statements & Responses
The EFL's announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While the league recognizes the achievements of the nominated managers and players, fans have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Eckert and others. One fan remarked, "If they held off two more weeks, I reckon Eckert would win Manager of the Season by a landslide," highlighting the sentiment that the timing of nominations may not reflect current form.
What's Next
The EFL Awards ceremony will take place on April 19, 2026, where the winners of the Manager and Player of the Season awards will be revealed. The event will also feature other accolades, including the Young Player of the Season and various community awards, celebrating contributions to the sport and local communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lampard has taken The Sky Blues to within touching distance of the Premier League during his first full season in charge.” — EFL Statement
This year's EFL Awards promise to be a significant event, reflecting the competitive nature of the Championship and the individual talents that have emerged throughout the season.
