Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg and striker Will Lankshear have been nominated for the Championship's monthly awards after a dominant October for the club. The pair are in the running for the Manager and Player of the Month honours following a run of four wins and a draw from five league games, a sequence that forms part of their recent form of two wins, two draws and one loss.

That form, which included a 5-1 win at Bolton and a 1-0 victory over Wolves, propelled Middlesbrough to the summit of the table at the end of October. The side scored 14 goals and conceded just five across the month, earning 13 points. That momentum has helped establish their current position of second in the Championship, with 29 points from 15 games, a record of eight wins, five draws and two losses. Their overall goal difference stands at plus 11, having scored 30 and conceded 19 this season.

Managerial recognition

Hellberg's leadership during that unbeaten streak has earned him a place on the shortlist for the managerial award. His nomination comes despite a six-week ban, suspended for two years, for his part in the so-called Spygate scandal earlier in his career. The head coach played down the personal accolade when asked about it. "I'm not sure if I'm in the running for the award, but I'm happy to be nominated," Hellberg said.

Lankshear's prolific form

Forward Will Lankshear is nominated for the player award after a blistering October in front of goal. The England under-21 international scored seven times in five matches, finding the net in every game. He bagged two braces, against Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic. His goals were central to the 3-0 win over Charlton and the five-goal rout at Bolton. Lankshear's clinical finishing was a key driver behind the team's impressive goal minutes average for the month, and he remains the team's top scorer this season with 13 goals in 13 appearances.

The winners for both awards will be announced on Friday morning. Middlesbrough's focus now shifts to maintaining their promotion push, with a home game against Bristol City next on the schedule for Saturday 21 November. The club will be aiming to build on their strong form when they host the Robins, who are currently 17th in the table.

More detail at yorkshirepost.co.uk