MIDDLESBROUGH manager Neil Warnock has been named as the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for October.

Warnock claimed the 11th monthly managerial award of his career after guiding Boro through an unbeaten month with 14 points from six unbeaten games, a run that took them into the play-off positions.

The 71-year-old also presided over his 1,500th game as a manager in one of England's top four leagues.

Warnock said: "It’s been such a difficult time up in the North-East, so it’s nice to be a bit of good news put a few smiles on faces.

"It’s a talking point for the fans, and the sooner we can get them back into stadiums the better.

"We’ve played some cracking football, and there’s great camaraderie in the squad. I can’t stress it enough how much I’ve enjoyed working with them.

"Everybody in the dressing room wants to listen, and the way some of them have improved, that’s what I enjoy most in management."

Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.

He said: "After surpassing 1,500 games in management this month, Neil Warnock continues to show his experience with Boro going unbeaten in October with a 14 point return and only two goals conceded."

Sky Sports' EFL pundit Don Goodman added: "No stranger to this award, Neil Warnock seems to bring the best out of any group of players he’s given to work with. 

"The 71-year-old has been a breath of fresh air at Boro so far and it was great to see his side go undefeated during the month of October.

"The Teessiders have the look of a side capable of a play-off run and in this kind of form, why not?"

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: "Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough went undefeated in October, winning four games and drawing the other two to leave them fifth in the table going, as the veteran manager aims for what would be a record extending ninth promotion in English football this season.

"Boro were 8-1 for promotion with Sky Bet at the start of the season, but on the back of Warnock doing an excellent job at tightening up their defence, they’re now 5-1 for promotion and 18-1 for the title."