BLUES boss Phil Brown has been shortlisted for September’s League Two manager of the month award.

And Southend United’s young midfielder Jack Payne has also been nominated for the player’s prize.

Brown led the Shrimpers to one draw and four successive wins in the league during September and collected more points during the month than the other three managers on the shortlist - Wycome Wanderers’ Gareth Ainsworth, Bury’s Dave Flitcroft and Exeter City’s Paul Tisdale.

The winner will be chosen by a judging panel which is chaired by former Football League manager Dave Bassett with Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson and League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.

Their decision will be made public on Friday, along with the player of the month award winners.

Payne caught the eye during September after breaking in to the side and scored league goals against both Oxford United and York City.

Former Bromfords School pupil Paul Hayes, who is now with Wycombe Wanderers, has also been nominated along with Northampton Town striker Marc Richards who scored six goals in four games.

Luton Town defender Luke Wilkinson completes the shortlist.