April's Championship Manager of the Month nominees are in, and it's a star-studded lineup featuring some familiar faces and rising stars. Southampton's Tonda Eckert, Coventry's Frank Lampard, Portsmouth's John Mousinho, and Blackburn's Michael O'Neill are all in the running for the prestigious award.

Eckert is chasing a stunning hat-trick after claiming the honor for both February and March. The Saints boss guided his team through an unbeaten six-game run last month, securing a fourth-place finish and a coveted play-off spot. It's been a remarkable turnaround for Southampton, who look poised for a strong postseason push.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard has worked wonders at Coventry, leading the Sky Blues to the Championship title and ending their 25-year Premier League exile. Coventry matched Eckert's unbeaten April record, racking up 12 points from six matches to clinch automatic promotion in style. Lampard's tactical nous has been a key factor in their resurgence.

Over at Portsmouth, John Mousinho has kept the club in the Championship for a second straight season, defying expectations with impressive wins over Middlesbrough and Ipswich. The Pompey boss collected 14 points from seven outings, earning praise for his team's resilience. Forward Adrian Segecic also earned a Player of the Month nomination after scoring four goals in their successful relegation battle.

Rounding out the manager nominees is Blackburn's Michael O'Neill, who guided Rovers to safety with nine points from six April games. The Northern Ireland manager's steady hand has been crucial for a club that flirted with danger but finished the season strong.

With promotion, play-off drama, and relegation escapes all on the line, April was a month of high stakes and standout performances across the Championship. The winner will be announced later this week.