In-form Blackpool striker and Fleetwood Town boss up for League One monthly awards against Sunderland, Hull City and Peterborough United men

Yates has been recognised for his fine scoring form, which saw him find the back of the net on four occasions last month.

He’s up for the League One Player of the Month award alongside Gillingham striker Vadaine Oliver, Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien and Peterborough United’s Sammie Szmodics.

The EFL said: “Four goals in eight games for the hard-working forward whose pressing never gives opposing defenders a moment’s peace in spite of playing up front on his own.

“Each one of his goals were pivotal, giving Blackpool the lead.”

Yates faces stiff competition from Oliver, who bagged a mightily impressive eight goals for the Gills in March - although he was kept out by the Seasiders during Easter Monday’s 4-1 victory.

O’Nien, traditionally a midfielder, showed his versatility to play at centre-back for Sunderland, helping the Black Cats keep five clean sheets in six games.

Szmodics contributed superbly for Posh last month, scoring three times and producing two assists.

Yates has already picked one monthly award for March, having won the Football League World’s public poll last week.

Fleetwood boss Simon Grayson, meanwhile, is up for the Manager of the Month gong after picking up 13 points from six games.

“His calm, understated manner has been appreciated by his new team, who quietly collected 13 points from six games to banish any threat of relegation,” the EFL said.

“The base was a solid defensive foundation with just one goal conceded.”

Despite Blackpool’s unbeaten month, head coach Neil Critchley missed out on a nomination.

The Seasiders picked up 14 points last month, winning three games and drawing five.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans (17 points), Sunderland chief Lee Johnson (16 points) and Hull City manager Grant McCann (14 points) were nominated instead alongside Grayson.

The winners of both awards will be announced at 6am on Friday, April 9.

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