October’s League One awards offered a clear picture of the strength Lincoln City must navigate this season, with Stockport County manager Dave Challinor and Bolton Wanderers winger Amario Cozier-Duberry taking the division’s main honours.
Challinor collected the Manager of the Month award after guiding Stockport to a perfect run of four wins, three clean sheets and a move to the top of League One. Earlier in the campaign, needless goals had hindered their progress, but October marked a shift in control and discipline. The EFL highlighted how tightening the defensive structure turned draws into wins and provided the platform for a complete return of twelve points from four matches.
Judging panel chair Danny Wilson summarised the achievement.
“Four games, twelve points, three clean sheets in October for Dave’s team, endorsed by their top-of-the-table position,” he said.
Sky Sports analyst Don Goodman offered a similar assessment.
“Stockport are going from strength to strength under Dave Challinor. They went close last season and look even stronger this year with a more solid defence,” he said.
While Stockport’s progress was defined by collective control, Bolton’s Cozier-Duberry earned the Player of the Month award through decisive individual impact. The 20-year-old produced two injury-time winners, against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, and added two assists across the month. Bolton’s climb to third owed much to those late interventions, with the winger repeatedly producing key moments when games appeared set to stall.
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher praised his development.
“Amario has been different class. He has been excellent since the day he came in during pre-season and he deserves everything that he has got. He is desperate to learn and desperate to get better,” he said.
Cozier-Duberry described the award as an important milestone.
“It’s been a great time for me and I am delighted and honoured to have added the League One Player of the Month award. October was a good month with a fantastic finish. They were two big wins and I know what it meant to the fans,” he said.
Goodman noted the winger’s influence on Bolton’s attacking rhythm.
“He has turned up at really important moments. Bolton have climbed to third largely thanks to his two last-minute winners,” he said.
For the Imps, the awards highlighted the standard across a division where small margins define the table. Stockport’s organisation and Bolton’s attacking influence are coming to the fore after tough starts for both.
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