Cliftonville's Paddy McLaughlin has been named Aktivora Manager of the Month for September by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association.

McLaughlin’s Cliftonville were unbeaten in September with wins over Glentoran, Dungannon Swifts, Warrenpoint Town, Harland & Wolff Welders and Knockbreda.

McLaughlin said: “I’d like to thank the Football Writers’ for this award. It’s a reflection on the whole team and backroom staff, not just me.

“We’ve had a brilliant start to the season despite some tricky away fixtures. There’s no magic wand behind our good start, it’s just a product of hard work and desire. We had an excellent pre-season and we’ve carried that form into the new season.”

It’s the second time McLaughlin has won the prestigious award. He also collected the Manager of the Month accolade in February of this year.