Brian and Alfie up for Prem awards

Reading manager Brian McDermott and striker Adam Le Fondre have been nominated for January awards in the Premier League.

Royals boss McDermott is one of the nominee’s for the Premier League manager of the month, after an outstanding revival in the month of January. Despite a loss to Tottenham on New Years Day, two consecutive victories against Newcastle and West Brom, with a credible draw against Chelsea, has dragged Reading out of the relegation zone.

The prolific Le Fondre has had a fantastic month, with some tipping the forward for an England call-up. Alfie scored the equaliser from the spot against West Brom, scored a superb double against Newcastle and salvaged Reading a point against Chelsea in the last seven minutes, with two immaculate finishes.

January Manager of the Month candidates: Sir Alex Ferguson, Roberto Mancini, Brian McDermott, Harry Redknapp

January Player of the Month candidates: Luis Suarez, Julio Cesar, Adam Le Fondre, Leighton Baines