THEY have not had many trophies to show at Millwall of late but, thanks to Kenny Jackett, one has made it to the New Den already this season.

For Kenny has just been named the Coca-Cola League One Manager of the Month for September. And the way the Lions are going, it will not be the last honour this season.

Jackett’s boys enjoyed a sparkling month, with four fabulous wins and only one league goal conceded.

It is even more remarkable given the hot competition in the division at the moment — with Gary McAllister and Nigel Adkins in particular working wonders at Leeds and Scunthorpe. But though both that duo won all their games last month, Millwall’s win at Leicester in front of 20,000 partisan fans merits special mention.

Kenny’s managerial CV seems to grow by the week and he is carving out a very good reputation as a hugely promising boss.

His previous top job was at Swansea, taking them up into League One and laying the foundations for the success that Roberto Martinez is now enjoying.

Kenny, 46. left the Swans sitting pretty just outside the play-off places when he departed by mutual consent in February 2006. He said at the time that he did not think he was getting the full backing of everyone at the club and I know what he means.

I remember covering a Swansea game for Sky and could sense then he was not the most popular. As an outsider, it was really hard to understand why. I know Martinez is doing a brilliant job there at the moment, yet I am sure he would be the first to pay tribute to the roots Kenny laid down.

After leaving Swansea, Kenny went on to coach the reserves at Manchester City and became an integral part of Sven Goran Eriksson’s backroom team.

He played a crucial role in City’s flying start 12 months ago and, having spoken to Sven about it, I can vouch for Kenny’s coaching ability.

It was inevitable Kenny would want another go at managing a club, so fair play to Sven for not standing in his way when Millwall called last November.

Knowing Kenny as I do, perhaps the fact he does not bang his own drum like certain others has meant he has not had the credit he deserves. He prefers to stay out of the limelight but there is no doubting his talent. Just ask the City youngsters who learned so much from him.

Now Millwall are reaping the rewards, on a limited budget to boot, and the fans who have not had much to cheer since Dennis Wise took them to the FA Cup final are smiling once again.

CHRIS KAMARA was talking to PHIL THOMAS