ROVERS boss Tony Mowbray and midfielder Richie Smallwood have been nominated for the League One manager, and player, of the month awards for September.

Mowbray led Rovers to four wins and a draw from their six games last month as they picked up 13 points to move in to the top six for the first time this season.

Smallwood meanwhile scored in the win over Rochdale and has become something of a cult figure at Ewood Park since arriving from Rotherham United this summer.

Mowbray is nominated for the award alongside Paul Hurst (Shrewsbury Town), Stuart McCall (Bradford City), and Paul Warne (Rotherham United).

Of Mowbray, the judging panel said: “After two successive losing seasons at Ewood Park which culminated in May’s relegation, instilling new hope is not easy. Mowbray has managed it quietly yet skilfully, lifting the mood as Rovers earned 13 points from a possible 18.”

Smallwood is up for the award alongside, Michael Jacobs (Wigan Athletic), Kieffer Moore (Rotherham United) and Brett Pitman (Portsmouth).

The panel said: “The 26-year-old has quickly earned himself cult hero status at Ewood Park with his non-stop tackling style. Breaking up play and winning the ball for others, he also managed a clever volleyed goal in the 3-0 win at Rochdale.”

The winners of the awards will be announced on Friday morning.