London Bees Manager Lee Burch has been awarded The FA Women’s Championship Manager of the Month trophy for January by the LMA Panel.

This is Burch's second Manager of the Month award of the 2019/20 season, after earning four points out of a possible six against two of their closest league rivals.

Burch's team started the new calendar year with a 2-0 victory against London City Lionesses before a 0-0 stalemate in their following fixture against Lewes.

Upon receiving his second trophy of the year Burch said: "It’s obviously nice to get recognised by people outside of the Club and everyone to understand what we’re trying to do here. We had a tough period just before, so it was really important we started 2020 well.

"It’s not just about me, it’s a staff award. From Sian my assistant manager, I was ill just after Christmas, who picked up quite a bit of slack. Craig my goalkeeper coach has done wonders with Sarah (Quantrill), as well as the physios getting everyone back. It has been a real staff effort and I’m really pleased with everyone behind the scenes.”

Chair of the League Managers Association panel Marieanne Spacey-Cale MBE said of Burch's award: "Lee and his team's unbeaten start to 2020 could be important in keeping their top four ambitions alive.

"It is important that you gain points against the teams around you in order to give yourself a chance to finish as high as possible in the league and the performance against London City Lionesses shows that they can compete, when they play to the best of their abilities."

The LMA panel for the monthly awards involves three highly experienced individuals with specialist knowledge of the women’s game and football management, including Marieanne Spacey-Cale MBE (LMA Member and Southampton FC Head of Girls and Women’s Football/Head Coach), Jen O’Neill (Editor of She Kicks - women's football magazine) and Alan Curbishley (LMA Board Member and LMA Manager of the Year 1999/2000).