Robin Evans

ALT A graphic showing all English Ballon d'Or winners: Sir Stanley Matthews Sir Bobby Charlton Kevin Keegan Michael Owen

ALT Sky Bet Championship: Nuno Espirito Santo West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September. With promotion this season’s only aim at the London Stadium, Nuno is working under self-imposed pressure. He didn’t panic over a slow August start and responded by leading West Ham to 18 goals and 13 points from five unbeaten games. Nuno said: “This award is something that must be dedicated to more than one person. It is shared between everyone here who has played a part in helping the team to achieve positive performance and results - all of the coaches, the backroom team and the wider support staff. “I also want to share it with our supporters, who have given us such fantastic backing. If I look at September, I think of nearly 5,000 of them travelling up to Bolton Wanderers on a Tuesday night, or three home matches in the space of 10 days with massive crowds at London Stadium.

ALT West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for September. Mavropanos is showing leadership and presence in both boxes. His commanding aerial prowess helped West Ham’s defence keep two clean sheets. More remarkable were his four goals in five games, including a headed equaliser at Millwall. Mavropanos said: “I am delighted to win this award, but it was an excellent team effort this month. We had some good results, went on a good run, and obviously this award means that we are doing something good with the team. “I am the one who has been given the award this time, but it could have been any of my team-mates, and I am just really happy that we are in a good way right now.”