Northampton Town boss Ian Sampson was celebrating today after being named Coca-Cola League 2 Manager of the Month for January 2010.

Sampson's side enjoyed a terrific month in January, picking up three victories and two draws from their five league fixtures. His side began the month with consecutive victories away from home, including a 2-0 victory against high-flying Bournemouth. The Cobblers maintained their unbeaten form with a solid point at home against Chesterfield before rounding off January with a further four points from their games against Darlington and Burton Albion.

Also short-listed for the January award were Alan Knill of Bury, Micky Adams of Port Vale and Shrewsbury Town's Paul Simpson.

Alan Curbishley, chairman of the Coca-Cola Manager of the Month Awards panel, said: "Ian Sampson has done really well since his appointment in October, with results improving all the time. The team is very organised and don't concede many goals."

Alan Irvine of Sheffield Wednesday won the award in the Championship and Paul Lambert of Norwich City was given the League 1 accolade.

The decision to present the Coca-Cola League 2 Manager of the Month award was made by the Coca-Cola Awards panel. Headed by Alan Curbishley the panel also includes former World Cup referee Jack Taylor, on behalf of The Football League, Olaf Dixon of the League Managers Association and Steve Watts, Marketing Assets Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain.