PHIL PARKINSON says "a lot of hard work" was the key to him scooping the first League One manager of the month award of the season.

Parkinson has won the August gong after the Reds, back in the third tier for the first time since 2005 following back-to-back promotions, were unbeaten in the first month of the season after securing three wins and a draw to finish the month level on points at the top of the table.

Although delighted with the accolade which he says was down to a collective effort, Parkinson won't get carried away with it still being so early in the campaign.

"A lot of hard work has gone into that from pre-season to the start of the season and the first month," said the Reds' boss, who was nominated for the award alongside Dave Challinor (Stockport County), Chris Davies (Birmingham City) and Michael Skubala (Lincoln City).

"Everybody connected with the club can take great credit for the award.

"I am pleased to get the manager of the month award, the first one of the season is great for myself but more importantly  for everybody; the players and all the staff and I mean all the staff because everybody contributes and we can congratulate ourselves on it.

"But it is just the first month of the season, we know that and there is so much work to be done."

Wrexham beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 at The Racecourse on the opening day and then drew 0-0 at Bolton Wanderers in the first away league game of the season.

Back at home, Wrexham triumphed 3-0 against Reading and ended the month with a 2-0 win at Peterborough United, keeping a third successive clean sheet.

The unbeaten start has continued in September with Wrexham defeating arch rivals Shrewsbury Town 3-0 in last Saturday's cross-border derby to take over as leaders with 13 points from a possible 15.

"We are really enjoying being in this division, you can sense it," added Parkinson, who is preparing for Monday's eagerly awaited clash against promotion favourites Birmingham City at St Andrew's.

"There is a great anticipation on the training pitch every day, a great competitive edge the way we are going about our business and the games can't come quick enough."