Dundee FC boss Barry Smith is embarrassed by award speculation

Dundee boss Barry Smith admits speculation linking his name with the Scottish manager of the year award leaves him embarrassed.

Smith has masterminded Dundee’s 23-game unbeaten league run despite having a tiny squad at his disposal, which he has had to bolster by utilising trialists, including two players from junior club Lochee United.

Those achievements have seen the Dens Park gaffer pick up three of the last four Irn-Bru Phenomenal manager of the month awards.

However, he insists that while it is nice to be mentioned in connection with the manager of the year honour, the only thing he is focusing on at the moment is Dundee’s battle for first division survival.

“As far as I am concerned, I have not done anything yet,” he said. “It is a nice compliment to be mentioned like this, but I am a bit embarrassed as I’m fortunate to have this job and I am just starting out in management.

“I have a great bunch of boys here who have done really well but we are still not safe from relegation yet. I will not be happy until we are.

“It is only human nature to like it when people say good things about you, but until my job is done here that is all I will be concentrating on.”