ENGLAND C boss Paul Fairclough believes “senior warriors” John Still and Richard Money could face competition from Gateshead's Gary Mills and Alfreton's Nicky Law in the running for the S & C Slatter manager of the year award.
Barnet director of football Fairclough, ambassador for The NLP's 11th annual National Game Awards, reckons Mills has done a great job after inheriting a Heed side that started the season with four straight defeats.
They went into this weekend just a point outside the play-off zone, and Fairclough told The NLP: “This season has seen the emergence of some senior warriors like John Still and Richard Money, who have still got massive aspirations and desire.
“We've also had the emergence of some bright talent people like Mikey Harris at Salisbury, Kevin Wilkin at Nuneaton and Jamie Day at Welling.
“But one of the managers who has caught my eye this year, and one I've got great admiration for, is Gary Mills. This guy refuses to give in. He's got a style and method of football that I really like.
“Gateshead were dead and buried when he took over and he's now put them into a position where they could be in the Football League next season.”
Speaking in a series of video interviews filmed at The Hive, the 64-year-old's admiration for what veteran ex-Barnet boss Still has done at champions-elect Luton is clear.
“What an achievement there,” said the ex-Stevenage manager. “John was labelled as this long-ball manager, but anyone who has gone to Luton will see he has changed. He's got his team playing some fantastic football.
“It looks as if the league is wrapped up already and that's a great credit to John and his staff.”
Another veteran boss Fairclough praises for his work lower down the Pyramid is Gordon Bartlett, who has steered Wealdstone into a position of strength at the top of the Ryman Premier, while Alfreton manager Nicky Law has also caught his eye.
He added: “Everyone knows that Alfreton took a big hit with their wage structure and went part-time, but rather than complain, he's got on with it, used the transfer and loan market very astutely and everyone's been saying as the season progresses, ‘They won't be there at the end of the season'.
“But guess what – ten games to go and they are right in the thick of it with a real chance.”
