Phil Parkinson collected a Football League outstanding managerial achievement award for City’s incredible Capital One Cup exploits.

But if the race to be named League Two’s boss of the year had started at Christmas, he could not hope to compete with John Ward.

In fact, even promoted Gillingham chief Martin Allen would have to take a backseat to what has happened at Bristol Rovers since Ward’s arrival in December.

From a team stuck to the bottom of the table, he has led them into the top half – and only three points behind City in 11th. A play-off finish may prove just out of reach with time running out but the transformation has been amazing.

Rovers are the division’s form side with 13 points from the last five games, the latest win coming against Wimbledon on Saturday.

Parkinson takes his hat off to the Ward revival but is not entirely surprised to see Rovers so upwardly mobile.

“They have done exceptionally well since John Ward went in there,” said the Bantams boss.

“In all honesty, they were everyone’s tip to finish in the top three last summer. They had finished the season well under Mark McGhee.

“He had a few key players who got injured at the start of the season like Matt Harrald and they were a bit disjointed. But I always felt they had a team good enough to mount a challenge.

“They’re not going to get in the top three now but their form is as good as anybody. It’s a great achievement by John but it’s not totally unexpected because they are a big club at this level.”

Ward has poured cold water on the prospect of his Pirates nicking into seventh spot.

He said: “Three of our last four games are away from home where it is tougher to pick up points, so no one is getting carried away.”