The Newcastle United head coach is on a three-man shortlist for the October prize, having led the Magpies to five wins and a draw from six matches in the top flight and taking 16 of the 18 points available.

United have scored 15 times in those games, conceding just three times, to sit fourth in the table. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - who won August's award - and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are also in the frame; the Gunners won four and drew once in five matches, while City played the same amount of games, winning four and losing once.

Votes from the public will be combined with those of a panel of football experts, with voting now open here. The winner will be announced on Friday, 11th November.

Howe - who won the award for the fourth time in his career in February - was asked about the likely nomination for October when he spoke to NUFC TV following Saturday's 4-0 victory against Aston Villa and he insisted: "It's a really collective effort - it's never just about the manager.

"The manager's the focal point for the media and for everybody else, but behind the scenes there's a team behind the players. Ultimately, the players at any football club are the most important people, but it's about giving them the right environment to produce their best football.

"I have to compliment my staff, the medical team, the sports science team, the media team - everyone connected with the football club at the moment is doing a great job."