Oxford United defender Greg Leigh wins League One player of the month

The 29-year-old left back enjoyed a rollercoaster first full month with Oxford United, scoring three times, while also being shown a red card and going away with Jamaica on international duty.

The U’s were denied a double celebration as head coach Liam Manning was pipped to the manager of the month award by former United defender John Mousinho, now in charge at Portsmouth.

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Leigh began September by scoring what appeared to be a stoppage time equaliser at home to Port Vale, however he picked up a second yellow card two minutes later, with the Valiants winning the game via a penalty nine minutes into injury time.

After serving a one-game suspension during the win at Fleetwood Town, Leigh returned off the bench for the victory at home to Exeter City.

He rounded off the month in style, netting a brace on his birthday in the 3-1 win at Stevenage.

The former Ipswich Town man’s first goal was a poached effort to bring the U’s level, before he then gave Manning’s side the lead with a brilliant effort as he swivelled in the penalty area to fire home.

Leigh, who is again away on international duty, told the United club website: “I am really grateful for the award and look forward to collecting it when I get back to Oxford.

“You always want to make a good first impression when you join a new club and that whole month was a really good one for the whole team.

“It’s not often that the award is won by a defender so I’ll accept it on behalf of the defence. Maybe me scoring a few goals caught the eye but more importantly we have been keeping clean sheets and looking very solid at the back. Long may that continue.”

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In scooping the September gong, Leigh becomes the first U’s player to win the award since Matty Taylor in February 2020.

The striker smashed seven goals in six games, while former United head coach Karl Robinson missed out on the manager of the month award.

This year, Leigh beat competition from Portsmouth centre back Regan Poole, plus strikers Devante Cole (Barnsley) and Jordan Rhodes (Blackpool).

Poole netted three goals, including a winner against former club Lincoln City, as Pompey remained unbeaten in five games, while Cole scored four times in five matches.

Rhodes, who played four times on loan for the U’s at the beginning of his career, became the first Seasiders player to score a hat-trick in five years when he did so against Reading. He grabbed five goals in four games last month.

Mousinho oversaw another unbeaten month at Portsmouth, including victories against Peterborough United and Barnsley.

Alongside Manning, Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield and Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley were also nominated.