Awards for Redknapp and Johnson

Harry Redknapp and Andy Johnson have respectively won the Barclays manager and player of the month awards for October.

Redknapp was in charge of a Portsmouth side which maintained an unbeaten record during the month, winning twice and drawing twice to move up to ninth in the Premiership table.

Included in that run was a home defeat of Manchester United - a repeat of last season's Fratton Park success which helped Redknapp land the award in April.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

A spokesman said: "Portsmouth have a habit of beating big teams at Fratton Park and thanks to Harry's canny acquisitions during the summer they have found a good blend between defence and attack. "Their position and the award is testament to the hard work that Harry has put in."

Johnson picked up the players' award having netted four league goals in as many matches in October - with only Thierry Henry scoring as many.

The Crystal Palace striker is the highest scoring British striker in the top flight with eight goals - only Henry has scored more goals with nine. The spokesman added: "Johnson's record in October is a fantastic achievement - four goals from four games.

"His goals have ensured the Eagles are climbing the table - whether it is England or Poland, international football must surely beckon."