Sheffield United duo in line for prestigious award double after impressive displays build 'promotion momentum'

Heckingbottom, who took the managerial award for August after United’s superb start to the season, is nominated again after United won all three of their games away from home during September.

Foderingham has joined him on the player shortlist after keeping clean sheets at Swansea, Preston North End and Hull City, making crucial saves in the latter two games to help United claim all three points.

“The final brick in a defensive wall which didn’t concede in three away games in September, Foderingham kept his goal intact with his organisational and shot-stopping ability,” the former Rangers goalkeeper’s award citation read.

He is up against Luton Town’s Carlton Morris, Teemu Pukki of Norwich City and Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts for the award, with former United chief executive and current EFL man Trevor Birch joining ex-pro Don Goodman and Sky Bet trader Ivor Davies on the judging panel.

Heckingbottom is up against Birmingham City’s John Eustace, Swansea boss Russell Martin and Norwich’s Dean Smith for the managerial award, which will be judged by former Blades boss Danny Wilson, Goodman and Davies.

The winners will be announced on Friday morning at 6am and if Heckingbottom walks away with his second award in as many months, he will be keen once again to avoid the so-called manager of the month ‘curse’ – with football folklore suggesting the winner’s club always lose their next game.