Nottingham Forest duo nominated for awards as 'momentum building' at City Ground

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and defender Djed Spence have been nominated for awards after a magnificent March.

Cooper is up for Championship Manager of the Month, having put the Reds firmly in promotion contention going into the run-in. And Spence is nominated for Championship Player of the Month, having continued the impressive form he has shown this season - including scoring a stunning goal against QPR.

Last month, Forest picked up seven points from a possible nine in the league, as they also progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They came away with a dramatic 1-1 draw at Sheffield United, then thumped Reading 4-0 and toppled QPR 3-1.

Announcing the manager nominations, it is said: “Momentum is building on the banks of the Trent. Cooper has brought an attacking flair to Forest which was evident in their 4-0 and 3-1 wins over Reading and QPR, respectively, as they earned seven points from three unbeaten games.”

The Reds boss is up against West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce, Blackpool’s Neil Critchley and Steve Morrison of Cardiff City for the award. The judging panel who will decide on the winner comprises former Barnsley chief Danny Wilson, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman; English Football League communications director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.

Announcing the player nominations, it is said: “A dynamic force down the Forest right all season, Spence is always looking for an end product. His run and trickery earned a penalty at Sheffield United, he had two assists against Reading and drove home a 30-yard screamer against QPR.”

The Middlesbrough loanee will go head-to-head with Luton Town defender James Bree, Swansea City striker Michael Obafemi and Bournemouth front man Dominic