Martinez Claims Monthly Award

Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez has been named Championship Manager of the Month for January.

The Spaniard guided his side to wins over promotion chasing sides Reading, Preston and Burnley, and a draw at Southampton.

The Swans currently sit ninth in the Championship table and are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Martinez saw off the competition of Dave Jones, Jim Magilton and Paolo Sousa for the award.

Martinez told BBC Sport of his pride at picking up the award.

'This sort of recognition after 24 years that we haven't been in this level shows how far we have come as a football club,' said Martinez.

'January was a very good month in terms of results and performances and we have a great challenge to carry on these standards until the end of the season.'

'It means a lot to the football club. I take it in the name of the staff, the board and the supporters.'

The fans will be hoping the Manager of the Month curse doesn't strike when Swansea face Ipswich Town at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.