Lee Johnson has been awarded League One Manager of the Month, for the second time already this season.
In December, the lads scored 17 and conceded just three goals, entering 2022 as the league leaders. Johnson oversaw an immense month on Wearside, picking up 14 points from a possible 18 and extending their unbeaten run to nine games.
The gaffer first won the award in August, where he won four out of Sunderland's opening five games.
Alex Pritchard was also nominated for Player of the Month, eventually losing out to Rotherham midfielder Dan Barlaser.
On the award, Johnson said: "I'm very happy, and the work rate and focus of the players is fundamental to that."
IMPORTANT SPELL
"It was an important spell and it quickly changed the perspective of the league table. We performed very well, scored a lot of goals, and that makes me happy."
COMMITMENT
"It's nice to win this award and my thanks goes out to all the players and staff at the football club, as it's only possible with their unwavering commitment."
SACRIFICE
"I accept this award on behalf of those who have sacrificed in the special month of December for SAFC. Now, our focus quickly turns to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon."
Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman said: "The little wobble they suffered in October seems to have been put firmly behind them, so for Lee Johnson and Sunderland, December could prove to be the month that they put some inconsistency behind them and started a sustained march towards promotion. Hugely convincing wins over Morecambe, Doncaster and Sheffield Wednesday added gloss to an unbeaten month where they opened a gap to the chasing pack and piled the pressure onto Wigan, who fell victim to several Covid postponements around Christmas.”
