Why Sunderland boss Jack Ross wasn't nominated for the League One manager of the month award despite side's unbeaten November

The Black Cats moved into the automatic promotion places last month and remain second in the table following last week's thrilling 4-2 victory over Barnsley.

Ross' side also beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at the start of November, courtesy of Aiden McGeady's double at Home Park, and the Republic of Ireland international has been nominated for the player of the month award.

But Sunderland's league results in November, two wins and two draws, weren't enough for Ross to earn the same recognition, as Gareth Ainsworth (Wycombe Wanderers), Kenny Jackett (Portsmouth), Lee Bowyer (Charlton) and Nathan Jones (Luton) were nominated instead.

The Black Cats dropped points at home to Wycombe and away at Walsall - despite coming from two goals down to earn a point at the Banks's Stadium.

In contrast, Wycombe only dropped points once last month, following the 1-1 draw with the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on November 17.

Meanwhile Luton and Charlton consolidated their positions in the top six, with The Hatters winning three of their four league games last month and the Addicks winning all four.

At the head of the table, league leaders Portsmouth won all three of their league fixtures in November, while their game against Charlton was postponed due to international call-ups.

The judging panel for the award included: former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, Sky Sports' EFL League expert Don Goodman, EFL Marketing Director Drew Barrand, League Managers' Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL Trader Mikey Mumford.

Meanwhile, McGeady's scintillating form saw the 32-year-old score four times and register two assists for the Black Cats last month.

But the winger faces competition from Luton's Elliott Lee, Barnsley's Kieffer Moore and Charlton's Jason Pearce to be crowned the division's best player in November.

The winners for both awards will be announced on Friday, December 8.