Dundee United boss Peter Houston has been named the Clydesdale Bank Manager of the Month – the third year in succession he has picked up the March accolade.
This latest recognition came after the Tangerines secured maximum points from their four league fixtures last month.
And the Tannadice side were further honoured with wing wizard Gary Mackay-Steven being awarded March’s Young Player award.
Houston expressed his delight at the recognition and reiterated his belief that steering his side into the top six this season, betters his achievement in winning the Scottish Cup two years ago.
That opinion is based on the fact that following the departure of several high-profile players in the summer such as Prince Buaben, Craig Conway and Morgaro Gomis, he was forced to embark on a major rebuilding job on a much tighter budget.
Houston said: ”I am delighted to win the award but it’s down to the players.
”I know every manager says that but that’s because it’s true.
”You are only as good as the players you have and mine have been brilliant for me, they have worked so hard.
”It’s strange because the first award I won was March 2010, the second one was March 2011 and this one is March 2012.
”So I’m sure people will be asking who votes for it at this time of year! It’s all about the players though, they have been brilliant. The spring seems to bring the best out in us and I can explain it this year.
”We are a young squad developing and the young players here have been getting more experience.”DelightedHe added: ”I said a while back that the top six would be a bigger achievement than winning the Scottish Cup and I stand by that.
”At the start of the season I only had 16 players. But we have had young players come through and we have been able to strengthen.
”Bringing in the likes of Richie Ryan has helped because we’ve got a very strong bench now.
”I have guys like Richie, Garry Kenneth, Keith Watson, Ryan Dow and Barry Douglas who are not getting into the team.
”I took them aside recently and explained to them that it’s not down to them. They have been doing well in training but the guys who have the jerseys are doing the job.
”I can’t change the defence because things are going so well, we are keeping clean sheets and are scoring goals.
”The guys in possession of the jerseys are in charge just now until such time as they let their standards drop.
”It is a season of transition for the club, but I suppose every year is going to be like that from now on.
”It’s the same everywhere else too. Players are only staying at clubs for a certain amount of time so it’s a constant rebuilding process.”Meteoric riseMeanwhile, the meteoric rise of Mackay-Steven continues and increasingly he is looking like the bargain of the season having joined from Airdrie on a free transfer last summer.
And Houston believes there is even more to come from the talented youngster who only broke into the side in November.
He said: ”Gary has been fantastic. It didn’t start well for him because he got injured in his first game. He wasn’t in the team to start with but we gave him a go against Rangers and he’s not looked back.
”He has been very consistent, especially when you consider this is his first real taste of first-team football.
”Sometimes with wingers, and especially young ones, he will go quiet but then he’ll produce something special like he did against Hibs.
”You get that with young players and he’s been a fantastic addition to the squad.”
United travel to Aberdeen this weekend looking to avenge two previous defeats against the Dons earlier this season.
Amazingly, their loss in the Granite City in October was the only reversal they have suffered on the road outwith trips to Celtic and Rangers.