BURTON Albion boss Gary Rowett quickly contacted Morecambe counterpart Jim Bentley to congratulate him on winning the August manager of the month prize for League Two.
Rowett had looked a shoe-in for the award with the unbeaten Brewers sat top of the table, having also beaten Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers in the Capital One Cup.
"I'm not disappointed," said the Albion boss.
"First and foremost, what Jim's done, I think, is brilliant.
"I believe they had some budget cuts last season and again in the summer.
"Morecambe have made a terrific start.
"I contacted Jim when I heard to congratulate him. He's a fellow Everton fan and it's nice to see a Bluenose win for once.
"It's thoroughly deserved."
Rowett and Albion will also miss out on the traditional dip in form associated with getting manager of the month.
With Portsmouth visiting on Sunday, the Brewers will need to be on their game to keep up their unbeaten start.
Rowett hopes missing out on the award will keep his players' minds focused on the task in hand – and not fool them into thinking the job is done.
"It sounds too easy after the event but I think occasionally when you win these awards, it kind of detracts from the humble side of what you've showed," he said.
"It feels like you've won something already, when you haven't, and that can cause a bit of complacency and a little bit of self prophecy.
"It helps us to stay balanced.
"Jim fully deserves it.
"We'll keep working with no distraction."
