SUNDERLAND manager Lee Johnson has won the League One Manager of the Month award for December but Alex Pritchard loses out in the Player of the Month category.

Last month saw Johnson guide his side to four wins and two draws as the Black Cats climbed up to second in the table scoring 17 goals and conceding three in the process. The Sunderland boss beat off nominations for Accrington Stanley’s John Coleman, Wigan Athletic’s Leam Richardson and Rotherham United’s Paul Warne.

Johnson said: “It’s nice 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.

“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 this Saturday afternoon.”

Meanwhile, despite a strong run of form for Pritchard in the month of December, the 28-year-old loses out on the award to Dan Barlaser of Rotherham United.

The attacking midfielder scored once and claimed four assists as he became an integral part of Johnson’s side.