SCOTT Parker has moved to thank his staff and players at Cherries after he was awarded the Championship Manager of the Month award for September.

Cherries picked up 13/15 available points during the month after victories against Barnsley, QPR, Cardiff City and Luton Town – only failing to defeat Peterborough.

He saw off competition from Derby County’s Wayne Rooney, Blackpool’s Neil Critchley and Sheffield United’s Slavisa Jokanovic to pick up the prize.

Now Cherries sit top of the Championship table after 11 games and are targeting promotion back to the Premier League, following relegation two seasons ago and a failed play-off attempt last campaign.

Impressing in his first season as Cherries boss, Parker has insisted that it is his staff and everyone connected with the club who deserve the praise.

Speaking after receiving the award, Parker said: “Credit for this award must go to my staff, my players and everyone connected with the football club for the hard-work that is being put in every day.”

He continued: “September was an excellent month for the club, staying unbeaten in this division is no mean feat, and I’m pleased with how we’re performing and we're aiming to keep building and improving throughout the season.

"I’d also like to say thank you to our supporters for the incredible backing that we’ve been given home and away this season, it makes a huge difference."

Cherries are back in action on Saturday, October 16, and face a trip to Nigel Pearson’s Bristol City – who have steadied an otherwise rocky ship.