Dale duo nominated for monthly awards

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has been nominated for the League Two manager of the month award for December.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill and defender Craig Dawson have been nominated for the League Two manager and player of the month awards respectively.

Hill's team's unbeaten record throughout December put them five points clear at the top of the division at the turn of the year. Dale won five out of six matches in the month to leave them odds on for a first promotion in 41 years.

Accrington boss John Coleman, Morecambe's Sammy McIlroy and Kevin Dillon of Aldershot will also contest the manager's gong.

Dawson, Dale's 19-year-old centre-half sensation, has been linked with a big money move away from Spotland during the January transfer window. His four goals and performances during December played a major part in Dale's rise to the top and he has been shortlisted for the player's award alongside Notts County striker Lee Hughes, Accrington Stanley right-back Phil Edwards and Morecambe forward Phil Jevons.

The winners of the awards will be announced on Saturday morning (9 January).