EFL awards shortlists released with Frank Lampard tipped for major honour

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:27:22 +0000

The shortlist for the 2026 EFL Championship Manager of the Season has been revealed, with four bosses whose teams remain in the hunt for promotion receiving nominations.

Frank Lampard leads the contenders after guiding Coventry City to the top of the table as the campaign enters its final stages.

Alex Neil of Millwall, Hull City's Sergej Jakirovic and Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough complete the quartet, with all four clubs firmly positioned to challenge for a place in the Premier League.

Winners across all categories will be announced at the EFL's annual awards ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, April 19.

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The Championship Player of the Season award features four standout performers from clubs battling at the top of the division.

Hayden Hackney earns his nomination after delivering consistent displays in central midfield for Middlesbrough, the club he has supported since childhood.

Coventry's Carl Rushworth has produced outstanding performances in goal for the league leaders throughout the campaign.

Millwall winger Femi Azeez rounds off an impressive season with eight goals and seven assists to his name, securing his place among the nominees.

Swansea City forward Zan Vipotnik completes the shortlist as the Championship's leading scorer, having found the net 20 times this term.

In League One, Michael Skubala stands out among the managerial nominees, having already secured Lincoln City's promotion to the Championship.

Graham Alexander of Bradford City, Cardiff City's Brian Barry-Murphy and Stevenage boss Alex Revell join him on the shortlist for the third-tier honour.

The League One Player of the Season race features Dom Ballard from Leyton Orient alongside Doncaster Rovers' Owen Bailey.

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Lincoln City boast two representatives in the player category.

Jack Moylan and experienced defender Sonny Bradley were both recognised for their contributions to the Imps' successful promotion campaign.

Ballard also appears on the Young Player of the Season shortlist, joined by Bolton's Amario Cozier-Duberry, Cardiff's Dylan Lawlor and Bradford's Jenson Metcalfe.

The League Two Manager of the Season nominees include Bromley's Andy Woodman, Paul Warne of MK Dons, Oldham Athletic's Micky Mellon and Neil Harris at Cambridge United.

Bromley dominate the fourth-tier player shortlist with both Mitch Pinnock and Omar Sowumni nominated, alongside Swindon Town's Aaron Drinan and Callum Paterson of Milton Keynes Dons.

Young Player of the Season awards will be presented across all three divisions.

The EFL Teams of the Season and Goal of the Season will also be unveiled on the night.

The ceremony will additionally honour off-field contributions, including the Community Club of the Season award contested by Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers.