Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has scooped the Barclays Manager of the
Month award for January.
In what has been a significant week in Liverpool's history,
American business tycoons Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been
unveiled as the club's new owners and now, Benitez has been awarded
for on-the-field efforts.
Hicks and Gillett wasted little time in offering their full backing
to the Spanish tactician and after four wins out of four, it would
appear the Barclays Awards Panel are also admirers of Benitez's
work.
Liverpool started 2007 with 3-0 victories over Bolton and Watford,
a highly impressive 2-1 defeat of champions Chelsea, before a fine
month was concluded with a victory over West Ham at Upton Park by
the same scoreline.
Jim Hytner, a member of the judging panel, said: "It's been a very
happy new year for the red half of Merseyside. Undefeated and just
one goal conceded in the Premiership this year, Benitez has
revitalised Liverpool's campaign."