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In alphabetical order...
Nick Blackman
Average rating: 6.5 (5+1 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st Brentford (A), 1st Birmingham City (A), Joint 2nd (Portsmouth A)
A great month for Blackman, who to many observers has had a frustrating career in blue and white. But there's no doubting his quality when it all comes together, and four goals in August see him far and away our early top scorer. A brilliant free-kick at Griffin Park the pick of those goals, instrumental in securing our first Championship win of the season. Nick was also the only player to win two MOTM awards, as voted for by you. New additions cast doubts over his future in the side but if he keeps scoring and impressing, the shirt is his surely?
Paul McShane
Average rating: 6.7 (6+1 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st (Leeds United H), 2nd (Sheffield Wednesday A)
The combination of McShane and Anton Ferdinand has been rock solid in recent weeks, allowing the least shots on goal for any Championship side. Whilst Ferdinand might be less flashy, McShane has straight away won the plaudits of Royals fans with his standout performances at the back, commanding the defence and generally showing his invaluable experience at this level. Man of the match in the home draw with Leeds United, but has barely put a foot wrong across all six starts.
Oliver Norwood
Average rating: 6.4 (7 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st (MK Dons H), 2nd (Birmingham City A), 2nd (Colchester United A)
A very good month for Norwood who has re-established himself at the heart of Steve Clarke's midfield after being left out towards the end of last season. His passing range continues to wow supporters but he's truly found himself this campaign in the metronomic role similar to that employed by Nigel Adkins. Three top three finishes in our MOTM polls, he stood out in our 0-0 draw with MK Dons, but has generally been a model of consistency in the engine room.
Danny Williams
Average rating: 6.4 (7 appearances), MOTM wins: 1st (Portsmouth A), 2nd (Brentford A)
Another player to start every match in August, Williams has performed very well both in the middle of the park and in an unfamiliar wide right role. The beloved "fan on the pitch", his now-trademark bombing runs forward have caused problems for opposition defences, whilst as we know, he's steely in the challenge as well. At this stage he is one of the first names on the teamsheet and fast becoming a fan favourite. Two standout performances - away at Portsmouth in the Capital One Cup, and also at Griffin Park - but also netted against Sheffield Wednesday as a late equaliser denied us victory.
Those are your four nominees - we'll announce the winner early next week!
Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):
