Billy Smith was spraying champagne at Crawley last night as he celebrated being named Dr Martens Manager-of-the-Month.

The Reds boss, who has pulled off a masterstroke since rejoining the club last year, won the September award after guiding his side to four wins, two draws and a place at the top of the premier division table.

Smith, who joins Albion counterpart Micky Adams as a manager-of-the-month winner, will receive an engraved tankard from the league and plans to share it with his players.

He said: "It's great recognition for the team and let's hope I win another seven of them this season because then we can really celebrate.

"I've got to be honest this has taken me a bit by surprise. I hadn't really been thinking about it. I was in line to win the August award, but then we lost at Cambridge.

"We've had a productive month. If we had a run like this every month, I wouldn't just be spraying champagne - I'd be doing cartwheels!"

The Crawley manager has achieved the success mainly without the services of two of his influential stars Keith Sharman and Ian Payne.

Popular defender Payne is back on the mend after damaging ligaments, but Sharman's inclusion in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup defeat against Aldershot has worsened his ankle and he could be missing for six weeks.

Smith admitted: "It's a big blow. Keith is an important part of most things we do. Some might say it was a gamble that didn't pay off to play him, but he did set up our goal and that could've been crucial had we defended better.

"His knee is giving him grief now, as well as his ankle, so he's having an operation and we should expect not to see him back for at least six weeks."

Payne is back in full training and eager to return to the fray, but admitted: "I've got to be careful not to rush back. Everything feels fine, but the doctor is telling me to wait. I'm not going against that advice.

"Once I'm given the all-clear and had a couple of games in the reserves I'll be back in contention."

Sharman is the only likely change Smith will make for the trip to Fisher on Sunday. Dave Powell is expected to come in as a straight replacement for the tough tackling midfielder.