Holleran is top boss as Leamington prepare for Shields test

Paul Holleran with his Manager of the Month award and some of Leamington's staff and players.

Leamington FC’s recent progress has been acknowledged by Paul Holleran receiving September’s National League North Manager of the Month award.

September saw the Brakes unbeaten in the league, which in turn saw them move up into the play-off places and establish themselves as the best performing of the clubs promoted into step two.

They’ve since dropped out of the top seven due to their inactivity last weekend thanks to not having any FA Cup commitments, but their form so far will have heartened Holleran as they now prepare to get back in action this weekend.

Leamington face a long trip to South Shields on Saturday, before they return back to Warwickshire on Tuesday night as Southport visit Your Co-op Community Stadium for a 7.45pm kick-off.

Shields have lost three of their last four games and sit 17th in the league on 13 points, while Southport have only been beaten once in their last six games and are a point behind Leamington in tenth spot.

Leamington midfielder George Ward told BBC CWR that it’s been an enjoyable season to be part of so far and that he’s been pleased to see the Brakes more than hold their own since his arrival in the summer.

He said: “Obviously coming up from step three you think we might struggle, but we’ve got a lot of young lads and I think we’re stepping up to the plate.

"With the experience of the likes of Theo Streete and Jack Edwards, we’re all going together with it. It’s exciting.

“I feel like I have settled in quickly. From the first day of pre-season when I came in I’ve got along with so many of the lads. It’s a great changing room to be in really.”