The EFL have announced the nominees for the Manager & Player of the Season awards, including those selected in League One.
Already promoted Lincoln City have unsurprisingly received three nominations across the two categories, joined by Bradford City, Stevenage, Cardiff City, Leyton Orient and Doncaster Rovers.
Lincoln Lead The Way
The Imps completed their remarkable campaign by becoming the first side in the top six tiers of English football to win promotion on Easter Monday. After being denied by victories for Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County on Good Friday, a draw between the sides mathematically ended their 65-year absence from the second tier.
Seconds after the full-time whistle went in Lancashire, Lincoln, who only needed a point for promotion, scored a dramatic last-minute winner through Jack Moylan. In doing so, they further extended their lead over second-place Cardiff, requiring seven more points to clinch the League One title. In recognition of their fantastic season, head coach Michael Skubala has been nominated for Manager of the Season.
The Imps gaffer is also up for the monthly award, looking to become the first ever manager since League One rebranded to claim the prize in three successive months. Also up for the player accolade from the Imps are Sonny Bradley and Jack Moylan. A commanding presence in his first season in Lincolnshire, Bradley has further improved what was already a tight Imps defence. Despite missing three months of the campaign, Moylan has been in glittering form in 2026, and it was fitting that the Republic of Irishman scored the goal to technically secure Lincoln’s promotion.
What About The Rest Of League One?
While the manager of the season appears to be a shoo-in for Skubala, two other managers have massively overachieved and enjoyed fantastic seasons. Bradford were promoted with virtually the very last kick of the 24/25 campaign, but have carried that euphoria into the third tier. Inside the top six places all season long, the Bantams look likely to compete in the play-offs, thanks to the excellent work of Graham Alexander.
Looking to join them in the end-of-season competition are Stevenage, who have also been in the promotion race virtually all year. Alex Revell’s side made a flying start to the campaign, topping the table early doors. And while their form took a bit of a hit in the middle of the season, they have grinded out some impressive results in recent times to sit just inside the top six places, with games in hand on their play-off rivals. Despite their drop in form in recent times, Brian Barry-Murphy looks likely to lead Cardiff back to the second tier at the first time of asking.
Which Players Have Impressed?
Looking at the final two men up for the Player of the Season accolade, it’s no surprise to see League One’s leading scorer Dom Ballard in contention. After their play-off exploits last season, it’s been a season of struggle for Leyton Orient. However, the form of summer signing Ballard has kept their heads above water. His 21 goals include three hat-tricks against Doncaster, Reading and AFC Wimbledon.
Finally, the form of another player in the third-tier relegation battle, Owen Bailey, hasn’t gone unrecognised. After helping Doncaster win promotion last season, he has stepped up to the third tier with ease, scoring 12 times and providing four assists. He is the only ever-present player for the South Yorkshire outfit.
The winners for these awards, along with the Championship and League Two, will be announced live at the EFL’s annual ceremony in London on Sunday, 19 April. It is also being broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 20:30.
