August’s most inspiring have been rewarded – here’s your Vanarama Manager, Player and Volunteer of the Month winners!
Chesterfield fans didn’t know what to expect after their one-time table toppers only just crawled over the line and into the play-offs on the final day of last season.
But it seems the summer has been put to very good use as the Spireites started with a real point to prove.
Manager Paul Cook vowed to make his team contenders again with hard work and shrewd signings it looks like it has been time well spent.
As only one of two clubs to finish last month unbeaten, they are off to a flier.
A chaotic opening day draw at Dorking Wanderers came with a midfielder in goal for an hour – and they then went on to beat Altrincham and Barnet.
A point at Notts County isn’t to be sniffed at – and neither is a 2-0 victory over Wrexham. They ended August with a workmanlike win over Aldershot to put them on a firm footing for September’s challenges.
Cook takes the top boss award and there won’t be too much debate about the Player of the Month accolade.
For any club hoping to achieve, recruitment is king – if new strikers settle fast then it acts as rocket fuel for the months ahead.
Macaulay Langstaff arrived at Notts County a champion and he didn’t leave his scoring boots in the North East.
After landing from Gateshead, he hit the ground running.
It was always going to take something special for the Magpies fans to quickly forget about losing Kyle Wootton to Stockport County.
He scored six in six last month to introduce himself to his new public in style and it started with two against Maidenhead United before another brace in the comeback against Chesterfield.
Then he doubled up again at FC Halifax Town – and September is already looking profitable after a stunning hat-trick against Dagenham & Redbridge.
It’s not just about those on the touchline or doing the business on the pitch, of course.
Thanks to title sponsors Vanarama, the Volunteer of the Month will continue to be crowned throughout the season.
Nobody quite does long-serving loyalty like Andrew Fiderkiewicz.
He has been working the Torquay United turnstiles for over thirty years – and not even Covid closing the gates could hold him back from duty.
Putting his hand up to be a ball retriever during the behind-closed-doors games, he is the most reliable member of the Gulls volunteer army.
Here’s to our trio of wonderful winners!
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