Coventry City manager Iain Dowie picked up the first managerial award of the new season after being named Coca-Cola Championship Manager of the Month for August.

Dowie's Coventry City side have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, with two wins a draw from their opening three league fixtures.

This impressive unbeaten run, which has included away victories over Barnsley and Cardiff City, has seen the Sky Blues end the month as the early pacesetters in the Coca-Cola Championship as well as progressing to the third round of the Carling Cup. Simon Grayson of Blackpool and Jim Magilton of Ipswich Town were also short-listed for the August award.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the Coca-Cola Manager of the Month Awards panel, said: "It has been a superb start to the season for Iain Dowie. He strengthened his squad by making some shrewd signings over the summer and his new look side have made a real impact in the first few weeks of the season."

Wise fought off Kevin Blackwell of Luton Town and Martin Ling of Leyton Orient to win his award after guiding his team to three wins from their first three league fixtures. They began the month with an opening day victory away at Tranmere Rovers before a comfortable home win over Southend United.

Wise's side ended August by securing a last minute win over Nottingham Forest and remain one of only two teams with perfect records in The Football League.

"It has been a remarkable start to the season for Leeds United," said Kamara. "Given their points deduction Dennis Wise deserves special praise for the way in which he has remained positive throughout and continued to motivate his players. Their unbeaten opening just shows how well his side have been playing over the past few weeks."

McIlroy's Morecambe have enjoyed a terrific start to life in The Football League, registering four points from their opening three league games.

But it is their performances in the Carling Cup which have really grabbed the headlines, with McIllroy's men registering wins over Championship sides Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers to progress to the third round of the competition. Bobby Williamson of Chester City and Dave Penney of Darlington just missed out on the month's prize.

Kamara said: "Morecambe have been living the dream so far this season. Sammy McIllroy's side have enjoyed a steady start to their league campaign but it is their performances in the Carling Cup which have really caught the eye.

"For a side new to The Football League to have beaten established Championship sides Preston and Wolves in the opening rounds of the competition just shows how far Sammy's side have come over the past few months."

The decision to present the Coca-Cola League Manager of the Month awards was made by the Coca-Cola Awards panel, headed by Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara, former World Cup referee Jack Taylor, on behalf of The Football League, John Barnwell, Chief Executive, League Managers Association and Tim Ellerton, Sponsorship Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain.