Southgate and Deco clinch awards

Southgate's team have started the season well

Chelsea star Deco and Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate have been named the Premier League's player and manager of the month for August respectively.

Deco has made an instant impact following his £8m move from Barcelona.

And Southgate's side are currently sixth in the table and a point behind leaders Chelsea after winning two of their opening three league matches.

It is the first time Southgate has claimed the monthly prize since taking over at the Riverside Stadium in 2006.

Boro beat both Tottenham and Stoke City 2-1 at home, although they lost at Liverpool by the same scoreline.

Southgate becomes the only person other than Stuart Pearce to win both the player and manager of the month awards during their career, having been named player of the month in January 2000 while with Aston Villa.

606: DEBATE Are Deco and Southgate worthy winners?

He is also the first Middlesbrough manager to collect the award since Terry Venables won it January 2001.

Southgate said: "I feel it's a great honour, not just for me, but for everybody at the football club.

"It's an honour I very much accept on behalf of myself and my staff because everything that we have achieved so far has been a team effort.

"I think the award is reward for the hard work everybody here put in during July to prepare for the new season.

"We have a really united club here and everybody has pulled together, and in that I include the players as well.

"There's a great atmosphere around the club at the moment and around the town, and long may it continue."