Friday 4 September 2015 08:01, UK
Brighton have been rewarded for their excellent start to the Championship with a double win in the first Sky Bet Football League monthly award presentations of the season.
Manager Chris Hughton has landed the Championship Manager of the Month prize after guiding his team to 13 points in their first five games.
Kazenga LuaLua has scooped the equivalent player prize after scoring three goals in the month, including winners against both Nottingham Forest and Blackburn.
Hughton - who has reverted to a 4-4-2 system this season - said: "It speaks volumes for what the players have achieved after a good pre-season and we were fortunate we didn't have any injuries in August.
"We've changed a few things from last year where we've looked to play two up front which we felt would give us more opportunities to score goals and get the ball in that final third.
"Although it's me picking up the award, it's because of the work that so many have done here. We've got excellent coaches and an excellent sport science and medical department.
"Kaz thoroughly deserves (his) award, he's had a wonderful start. The area where he has excelled in his game is where he has got on the ball and provided an end product."
LuaLua added: "It was very special just to be nominated for the award and to win is very special but the most important thing is that the team has started the season very well.
"I did work a lot in the summer to make sure I came into pre-season in good shape which has paid off so far but I just want to keep going."
In League One, Walsall top the table for the first time in a decade and their manager Dean Smith is the Manager of the Month as a result.
His team have also won four games out of five at the start of the campaign, with the highlight coming at Blackpool as they defeated them 4-0.
Smith said: "It's really pleasing but it's not just for me - it's for the whole team. The players have to go out there and perform and get the results.
"And for the staff behind me - this is for all of them as well. It's not just an individual accolade because you can't get them without the rest of the team working well together."
Coventry's Adam Armstrong - on loan from Newcastle - is League One's Player of the Month after he began his time at the Ricoh Arena with five goals in as many games.
The standout strike from the striker - currently in Germany with England Under-19s - was a 30-yard chip at Millwall. He said: "It's a great honour to win the award and totally unexpected.
"I'm always confident I can get goals but I never thought I'd get off to the start I have done at Coventry. Hopefully it won't be the only success we can achieve together this season."
There's another double success in League Two as Leyton Orient pair Ian Hendon and Dean Cox collect the Manager and Player of the Month prizes.
The Brisbane Road side have opened up a three-point lead at the summit thanks to their 100 per cent record, with Cox scoring twice and having four assists.
Hendon said: "We wouldn't have achieved this without the hard work of everyone at the club. Everyone is on board and the support we have received is fantastic."
