Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has dedicated his Ladbrokes manager of the month award to the players who have gone 13 matches unbeaten.
The Tannadice gaffer has claimed the Championship’s prize for November, during which time the Tangerines won away to Queen of the South, did a league and cup double over Dunfermline and then drew away to Greenock Morton.
Rather than all take the glory for himself, McKinnon was happy to spread the praise around.
He said: “It is all down to the players.
“The credit must go to them.
“It is recognition of their performances over the month.
“We were delighted with them in November and they have carried that on since then.
“I have won manager of the month before at other clubs but this is my first at United so it’s a bit special because of that.
“It is a sign that the team has been doing well.
“So it’s not just for me, it is for every single person at the club.
“It is a reward for everyone’s hard work.”
United are unbeaten in 13 going into Saturday’s home game against St Mirren and they have also made it six clean sheets in a row.
“The way the defence has been playing has made a big difference to us,” added McKinnon.
“They have dealt with everything that has been thrown at them.
“Six clean sheets is pretty decent.
“You can lose a goal because of a wrong bounce or deflection even if you are playing well at the back so to get to six is terrific.
“They deserve huge credit for that.”
The rock on which the backline has been built has been, of course, William Edjenguele, with Mark Durnan impressing alongside the big Frenchman.
McKinnon said: “I am not surprised that the fans have taken to William already because he has been different class for us.
“It took him about four or five weeks to get up to speed fitness-wise and that was the period when we lost a couple of matches.
“Since he has been match-fit, though, he has been outstanding.
“He is quick, aggressive and strong.
“He is a just a good defender and demands the best out of his teammates.
“When we were looking at him initially we spoke to people down in England like Steve Ogrizovic (the former Coventry City goalkeeper).
“I was told William was a bit of a legend when he was at Coventry.
“Also, Mark has also been different class too.
“I think he has been putting the performances in and I see a really strong mentally building within Mark now.
“William has helped him but he deserves credit himself for coming on like he has.”
United’s big selection dilemma for the Buddies match on Christmas Eve is who will be at either side of the central defenders.
Paul Dixon should come back in at left-back but on the right Lewis Toshney is suspended after being sent off against old club Raith.
Frank van der Struijk is likely to be sidelined for another couple of weeks, meaning veteran Sean Dillon could get the nod.
McKinnon said: “Paul Dixon trained and will play in a development game (today versus Hearts at Forfar), as will Stewart Murdoch, Cammy Smith, Coll Donaldson and Luis Zwick.
“Frank van der Struijk isn’t ready yet.
“He has a tear in his calf from the match at Morton.
“He did some jogging last week and pulled up again.
“He is still a wee bit away – maybe a couple of weeks – as it hasn’t really improved as well as we thought it would.
“Lewis Toshney didn’t train and he had to have an injection in his toe at half-time against Raith.
“Somebody stood on his toe and it was painful but he is suspended for Saturday anyway.”
