Jewell wins manager of the month award

Wigan manager Paul Jewell today became the first manager for four-and-a-half years to win two consecutive Barclays manager-of-the-month awards.

Jewell claimed the award for October after a stunning month saw his newly-promoted side race to second place in the Premiership.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has won the players’ award for last month.

Under Jewell, Wigan enjoyed a 100% record in October with home wins against Fulham, Newcastle and Bolton and victory at Aston Villa.

After 11 matches the Latics are also the meanest defence in the league, conceding a miserly five goals.

Jim Hytner, from the Barclays Awards Panel, said: “It’s terrific to see Wigan leading the chasing pack behind Chelsea, they have been a breath of fresh air in the Barclays Premiership.

“Paul Jewell has secured the points on the pitch and he’s now winning plaudits off it.”

Lampard scored in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, bagged two goals in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory against Bolton, scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Everton and netted twice in the 4-2 home win over Blackburn.

His goals helped the champions collect 10 points out of a possible 12 in October, consolidating their position at the top of the Premiership.

According to the Actim Index, the official ratings system for the Barclays Premiership and Coca-Cola Championship, the England midfielder is currently the best player in the country.

Hytner added: “Frank is one of the world’s top midfielders. He is the Barclays Premiership’s top scorer this season, no mean feat for a midfielder, but he also contributes to one of the meanest defences in the country. He’s been superb this season.”