The manager of the month nominations for Sky Bet League 1 was officially released by the Football League.

In an exciting close promotion and play-off race in League 1, each month seems to be action packed with goals, talking points and controversial decisions.

One of the more light-hearted points of contention is the player and manager of the month award that rewards players and managers for having particularly good months.

For February the Football League has provided a mixed bag of managers who have been nominated, some are managing sides that are aiming for automatic promotion, others for a late playoff charge and finally another that is looking to keep his side in the division. have been nominated for the award.

It's all interesting about the variety of managers, some hold a wealth of experience whereas others have only just begun their managerial careers.

This article looks at all FOUR nominees that have received acknowledgement by the Football League for their contributions in February................

Gary Caldwell (Wigan Athletic)

Caldwell's shift from footballer to football manager has been seamless and it has been one of the smoothest transitions in recent years, considering Wigan's revival since the relegation from the Championship last season.

Wigan looks well on their way to bounce straight back up to the Championship with a five-point cushion on Gillingham who are third.

February was a month where Wigan showed their composure and character and Caldwell showed his managerial acumen and leadership qualities that he showed on the pitch from the dugout as Wigan broke into the automatic promotion places for the first time.

As it was a four game month for Wigan, there could be no excuses for fatigue affecting Caldwell's side instead, they secured 10 points out of a possible 12 but most crucially, in the crunch fixture against Walsall, Caldwell's men came out on top with a tight 2-1 victory away at the Bescot Stadium.

Gary Caldwell also navigated his side to comprehensive wins against Bury and Sheffield United with the only minor blip coming against Oldham Athletic which finished 0-0.

With Wigan keeping three clean sheets out of four and only conceding one goal in February, they showed their excellent defensive capabilities as well as showing their potency going forward scoring seven in four games. February has proved to be a profitable month for Gary Caldwell and his nomination for manager of the month was well deserved.

Paul Heckingbottom (Barnsley)

After Lee Johnson left to take over at Bristol City, Barnsley fans may have expected their excellent form to drop off without their influential manager.

However, Heckingbottom has taken the heavy burden and thrived in the interim role. Barnsley had one of the busiest February fixture lists as they featured six times.

After a morale boosting victory on penalties against Fleetwood Town in the Football League Trophy- Northern final to begin the month. Heckingbottom's men have picked up 10 points out of a possible 15.

It was an entirely unbeaten month apart from a narrow but respectable defeat to Gillingham that still have their eyes on an automatic promotion spot.

Barnsley, on the other hand, will be looking to cement a playoff spot after victories over Bury, Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.

Considering the fact that Heckingbottom has only ever had experience as a caretaker manager, he has taken the initiative at the South Yorkshire club and his success will put him in an excellent position for the job on a permanent basis.

John Sheridan (Oldham Athletic)

It's unusual for a side that is wallowing in the relegation zone to have their manager nominated for the manager of the month award but John Sheridan and Oldham Athletic thoroughly deserve the recognition.

Having taken over the club in mid-January, Sheridan's managerial experience filtered through during the February fixture list as the Latics made a mini-revival.

The side currently sits in the 22nd position only three points away from safety thanks to an unbeaten five match spell in February.

Having taken major scalps with a goalless draw against Wigan Athletic and a 2-1 victory against Gillingham against two sides that are battling at the right end of the table. Sheridan has shown the potential of Oldham and provided the experience that has been lacking for large amounts of the season so far.

Oldham also took points against Blackpool and Peterborough, a relegation contender and a bottom half side, both of which could've been tricky contests for Sheridan's side and also an excellent draw away at Scunthorpe.

Sheridan's nomination for manager of the month isn't his first of the season as he also earned one with Newport County in November showing Sheridan's quality and despite some difficult fixture coming up for Oldham, I wouldn't be surprised if Sheridan leads them to safety.

Luke Williams (Swindon Town)

The final nominee for the League 1 manager of the month award is Luke Williams.

When Martin Ling resigned as Swindon Town manager in late December, he left large shoes to fill but Luke Williams was the perfect replacement for the Wiltshire side to promote from within.

It was a brave decision by Lee Power considering Luke Williams had no prior experience as a first team manager but since Williams has taken over as the first team coach, he has relished at the opportunity and impressed which has led to him being appointed on a permanent basis.

February was a five game month for Swindon Town and they picked up three successive victories to end the month against Colchester, Blackpool and Peterborough.

The minor blips that Williams will be disappointed about came at the beginning of the month with a one nil defeat against Port Vale followed by a hard-fought point earned against promotion chasing Gillingham.

Williams will be looking to use the three wins on the bounce to finish February as the platform to build and attempt to bridge the gap between Swindon who are currently sitting in 13th and the final playoff place which at the moment is seven points which initially appears to be a lot of ground to cover.

However if Williams and Swindon can continue with their excellent form and build up momentum, they may be the team to watch in the final two months of an enthralling League 1 season.