Sullivan enjoys his loyalty bonus

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North Manager of the Month Tony Sullivan thanked Cammell Laird for sticking by him last season after collecting his second managerial accolade of the campaign.

Sullivan followed up his January win in the managerial stakes with another triumph in March as his side climbed the table into the play-off spots. He is delighted with the honour and admits he wouldn't have blamed the hierarchy at Kirklands if they'd decided to part company with him after a tough season almost saw them relegated.

The Lairds manager said: "I am very, very pleased and very proud. I learnt a lot last season so you have to enjoy the good times. I'd like to thank the league for recognising the achievements we have had here with this award and Cammell Laird for sticking by me last season when they easily could have gone in a different direction. It's great getting the plaudits - for the players, our club and for my family. It's tough and can be a strain being a manager at this level so this is a real pick up."

Sullivan is pictured being presented with his accolade by League Representative John Beaumont before his side's only blip since March's winners were announced, their 0-0 draw with New Mills at Kirklands. Like March's other top managers - North Ferriby United's Billy Heath and Belper Town's Peter Duffield - he was presented with an inscribed certificate recording his achievement on behalf of sponsors Bostik, the parent company of NPL title sponsors Evo-Stik.

The accolade was well earned after Sullivan led his team to five league wins out of six and a 3-1 extra-time victory over Northwich Victoria to reach the last four of the Doodson Sport Cup. Happily for Sullivan and his squad's play-off ambitions, there's been no sign of the dreaded 'manager of the month' curse either as Lairds have gone on to win six out of seven league outings in April.

That record has kept Lairds on course but Sullivan wants to add to his CV with promotion now the target. In fact, he he'd happily swap his managerial honour for club success. He added: "Winning is something that managers strive for and it is massive for me to be manager of the month again. Winning it twice in three months is an honour and another addition to the CV I am starting to build because I'm only 38 and have only been a manager for three years.

"I've won two awards and taken a team to the League Cup's semi-finals but the award is gone now and hopefully I'll be leading the team out in the play-offs. I'd give them both back if I could take this club up into the division above but first of all it's about the top five."