Paper Talk: Jewell lands boss award

Jewell: Manager of the month for August

The Latics boss has guided his side to four wins and two draws in their first six matches to put them top of the table.

But he was quick to point out that there was still a long way to go before the awards became serious.

Jewell said: "It is nice to receive this award, but it really is something that recognises the work down by everyone at the club not just me.

"We have had a good start to the season, but it is still early days yet.

"But it is better to have the points on the board at this stage of the season than it is to be playing catch-up.

"I hope we will be in the running for this award again this season as that will prove we are still moving in the right direction as the season develops."

Jewell beat off competition from Tony Pulis, whose Stoke side lie second in the table to the Latics on goal difference, Ipswich boss Joe Royle and Bobby Williamson of Plymouth Argyle to land the award.

Jewell's words were echoed by his assistant Chris Hutchings, who said: "It is a big club thing and there are many people who can take a lot of pleasure out of getting this award.

"It is early days yet but it is always nice to get these awards whatever stage of the season you are at.

"It takes a lot of have work to get success and awards like these are the rewards you get for these efforts.

"There is a long way to go yet and it is a marathon not a sprint – so this is a nice little boost at the point of the marathon we are on."

Ex-Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool striker Mike Newell landed the League One award for overseeing Luton Town's six wins out of six games so far, while Scunthorpe United's Brian Laws scooped the League Two prize.

Meanwhile, with no game this week due to international call-ups, the Latics squad have been working hard in training after being given two days rest following the exertions of two games in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend.

McMillan: Fit now that he enters the last year of his contract...

Hutchings was particularly pleased to see forgotten full-back Steve McMillan, who came through 78 minutes of a reserve team game on Wednesday, come through yesterday's training session without a reaction to his injured groin.

The Latics No.2 said: "It has been a long road but yesterday was the first bit of sunshine he has had for ages.

"He trained Thursday morning and had no reaction to the injury so that is good news and we are all keeping our fingers crossed for him.

"Steve is working hard but obviously he needs a few more reserve team games under his belt before he is 100 per cent fit.

"When he reaches that level we know that we have a top-class defender back available for selection for the first team which is a huge boost for him and for the club."