Walsall boss Dean Smith heads League One Manager of the Month nominees

Walsall manager Dean Smith has been nominated for the first League One Manager of the Month award this season after leading the Saddlers to the top of the table.

Smith's side won four and drew one of their opening five league games and are also through to the third round of the Capital One Cup, where they face Premier League champions Chelsea later this month.

The other top-four sides in League One are represented on the shortlist, with Sheffield United's Nigel Adkins, Justin Edinburgh of Gillingham and Burton Albion's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also vying for the award.

Walsall and Gillingham are also represented in the Player of the Month category with midfielders Sam Mantom and Bradley Dack.

Leading scorer Adam Armstrong of Coventry City and Rochdale defender Jim McNulty complete the player nominees.

The winners will be announced on Friday.