West Brom caretaker James Shan and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith nominated for manager of the month
Albion caretaker boss James Shan has been nominated for Championship manager of the month alongside Dean Smith of rivals Aston Villa.
Shan won his first three games in charge of the Baggies following the sacking of Darren Moore, beating Swansea City, Brentford and Birmingham City to stabilise Albion’s position in the top six.
The EFL said: “Thrust unexpectedly into the caretaker role with Albion in danger of slipping out of the play-off positions, he has skilfully re-established calmness and stability among his players, who responded with nine points from nine.”
Shan is up against Villa boss Smith, who was in the running for the Baggies job last summer, and has guided the claret and blue side back into the top six.
The pair are up against Daniel Farke, who is leading Norwich City to the Championship title, and Reading boss Jose Gomes, who appears to be lifting the Royals out of danger.
Shan’s nomination mirrors a similar one for Moore in April last year when he was Albion caretaker in the Premier League.
Although the 40-year-old caretaker had a perfect March in charge of the Baggies, his April did not get off to a good start with back-to-back defeats in four days.
Former Albion and Wolves striker Don Goodman is on the judging panel of experts.
