A betting company has admitted it might have misjudged Charlton and striker Igor Vetokele after the goal machine landed August's Championship player of the month prize.

The Addicks were high on the list of many bookies as relegation candidates before a ball had even been kicked on August 9.

But an unbeaten start, combined with a blistering scoring spree from summer capture Vetokele, has already dispelled that notion, with Charlton proving the critics wrong by currently occupying the final play-off spot.

Sky Bet’s football trading manager Paul Lowery put his hands up and confessed: “We chalked up Igor as a 100/1 shot for top goal scorer in the Championship.

“But we now have him marked as a serious contender at 20/1.

“Charlton’s unbeaten start, underpinned by Vetokele’s goals, has shortened them from 18/1 to 12/1 for promotion.”

Vetokele struck five times during the opening month of the campaign as Charlton beat highly fancied Derby and Wigan at The Valley, as well as drawing three times on their travels at Brentford, Huddersfield and Brighton.

That form ensured the 22-year-old saw off competition from Millwall captain Alan Dunne, Nottingham Forest winger Michail Antonio and Blackburn midfielder Tom Cairney to collect the player of the month prize.

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman, one of the panel of judges, said: “Vetokele has taken the Championship by storm after arriving from FC Copenhagen.

“He is going to be difficult to stop.”

Vetokele is currently away on international duty with Angola, so it was left to Valley head coach Bob Peeters to receive the prize on his summer addition’s behalf.

“Igor has made an impact and shown what a player he can be,” the SE7 chief said.

“But the whole team deserves recognition because we have all worked well together to help Igor get the goals.”

Meanwhile, Millwall boss Ian Holloway missed out on the manager of the month honour to one-time occupier of The Den hotseat, current Wolves boss Kenny Jackett.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt