Karen shares the credit over latest monthly award

Karen Hills has insisted on sharing the plaudits with Juan Amoros after being named FA Women’s Championship Manager of the Month for January.

The Spurs Ladies boss has collected the award from the League Managers Association for the second time this season but, after missing a couple of games through a pre-planned absence at the start of January, has accepted the prize on behalf of the whole management team, with Head Coach Juan having led the team to consecutive victories at Sheffield United (2-1) and at home to Lewes (3-0) in her absence.

Karen was back in the dugout as the Ladies made it three out of three with a dramatic 3-2 win at Millwall on 27 January to open up a four-point lead at the top of the table.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for everyone involved on the coaching team,” said Karen, who also collected the inaugural award in September.

“While I was away for the earlier part of January, Juan Amoros and the rest of the coaching team did and continue to do an amazing job. The team behind the team have been fantastic and I speak for everyone when I say that it’s really rewarding to receive this. It’s been a huge effort from everyone over the course of the last month and we’re all very honoured to be recognised in this way.”

The LMA panel responsible for nominating the Manager of the Month is comprised of Marieanne Spacey-Cale (LMA member and Southampton FC Head of Girls and Women’s Football/Head Coach), Alex Scott (ex-England International and football broadcaster), Jen O’Neill (Editor of She Kicks women's football magazine) and Alan Curbishley (LMA Board member and LMA Manager of the Year, 1999/2000).

Chair of the panel Spacey-Cale said: “Karen has laid the foundations for a successful season, evident by the team’s ability to perform and win matches in her brief absence. The whole coaching staff can be proud of their team’s performances throughout last month.”