Albion boss Micky Adams has become a September prize guy for the second year running.

He has landed the Second Division manager of the month award, pipping Oldham's former Seagull Andy Ritchie and Peterborough's Barry Fry.

The Argus revealed last Thursday that Adams would clinch the accolade with a good result at Cardiff.

Saturday's 1-1 stalemate at Ninian Park stretched the Seagulls' unbeaten September League sequence to four wins and two draws, even though Oldham have knocked them off the top on goal difference.

Adams won the Third Division award last September, when five victories and an identical deadlock at Cardiff launched Albion's title triumph.

"It shows how far we have come and it goes without saying it's about what the team do," Adams declared.

"We've had an unbelievable start really. People ask me silly questions like am I disappointed to be knocked off the top when I am just happy to have been there!

"It has been a good month for us. We bounced back in the right way after the Northampton defeat and we have played some of the fancied teams like Stoke, QPR and Wycombe.

"I didn't think we would have 22 points by now, although myself and my staff have not been too worried by the challenge of Second Division football.

"We have got something at this club that people cannot buy and that is team spirit.

"Whatever awards I get are a reflection on the lads in the dressing room and the way they go about the job. They want to do well for each other."

The latest award is the third of its kind for Adams at Albion in the space of eighteen months.

He was named Third Division manager of the month towards the end of his first full season in charge of the Seagulls in March 2000. Last season's silverware also won him the manager of the year prize.

The players have a day off today before stepping up preparations for Friday night's visit by fourth-placed Brentford, one of Adams' old clubs.

"We will have a little bit of rest and recuperation and I am sure we will come out all fired up for what is really a local derby," he pledged.

Albion's only current injury concern is fringe midfielder Steve Melton. He damaged a groin in the Reserves last week.