Raith Rovers player-manager Grant Murray rounded off a fine few days for his club by picking up the SPFL’s Championship manager of the month trophy for September.
The Kirkcaldy side won through to the semi-finals of the Ramsdens Cup last month and saw off Queen of the South and Alloa on league business, with only an injury time leveller from Falkirk’s Kris Faulds preventing a clean sweep.
October has started well for Murray and his men as well, with a league win at Dumbarton followed by reaching the final of the Ramsdens Cup when Annan were defeated 3-0 on Sunday.
It is a first-ever Ramsdens Cup final date for Raith and this monthly award is a first ever for Murray, who was appointed to the Stark’s Park hotseat last summer when John McGlynn left for Hearts.
Murray said: “It has been a terrific time recently and long may it continue. We are sitting second just now which is terrific but we are not above or below target as we never really set a target in pre-season.
“We wanted to put a team on the park that would win games and that is what we have done. A top four place was never really mentioned either but what we have done is battle back from losing on the opening day to a good Hamilton side.
“We have reached the Ramsdens final which is good going at this stage and a terrific result for the entire club. But we will not be getting carried away.”
Murray brought in experience during the summer with the likes of Kevin Moon, Liam Fox and Calum Elliot all coming on board and they have played a part.
Murray said: “We changed things around during the break and it has paid off so far. It is always in the back of your mind about how well players will settle in but the guys have done it no problem at all.”
“They have also brought out the best in young players like Lewis Vaughan, who has shone playing alongside these guys and been given a new three and a half year contract.”
The former Hearts, St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock centre-back said: “Whilst getting this award is great, it is not just about me.
“It is about everyone, as it is the players that win you games and they deserve credit, as does my backroom team of Paul Smith and Laurie Ellis, as do our unsung heroes like our goalkeeping coach Wayne Henderson and kit man Brian Marr.”