IT TOOK Paul Lambert just three full months in charge, at ever-improving Colchester United, to scoop his first ever manager-of-the-month award.

Carl Marston

IT TOOK Paul Lambert just three full months in charge, at ever-improving Colchester United, to scoop his first ever manager-of-the-month award.

Lambert was this lunchtime named the League One manager-of-the-month for January, on the back of an impressive three wins and two draws from five fixtures.

It is a marvellous achievement for the Scotsman, who only took over the managerial reins at the Community Stadium in mid-October, at which point the U's were wallowing in the relegation zone.

Now the U's are up to 11th spot, just seven points adrift of the play-offs, and they will leapfrog into the top 10 if they can beat visiting Stockport County this weekend.

“I've never been one for personal accolades. It's the team that is the most important,” insisted a modest Lambert.

Roberto Martinez, of Swansea City, won the Championship manger-of-the-month award.