James McPake has been rewarded for an excellent start to the season with the SPFL League 1 manager of the month award.
The Dunfermline Athletic manager has been selected above his peers for his team’s performances over September and October.
McPake lost just one of his nine matches in that period, winning six.
Dunfermline were the last side in the professional Scottish and English divisions to lose a league match this season – going 11 matches without defeat.
The Pars also got November off to a great start, defeating potential title rivals Falkirk 1-0.
It means they have a six-point gap over second-placed Edinburgh.
McPake said: “I think it’s the old cliche but with this it does ring very true that without staff members and without players all pulling in one direction, you don’t get anything – let alone awards like that.
“It is a team effort – but I’d rather have three points (versus Clyde) on Saturday.”
McPake credited his coaching staff, as well as his players for “buying in” to his methods.
He also reiterated the importance of the backing from the fans.
The Dunfermline manager said it was moments like last weekend’s victory over Falkirk where supporters show their worth.
“(In moments like that) you maybe realise just how important the fans are as well to you, as a player and as a football club.
“We’ve been very lucky that since the first game that we’ve played here that the fans have been onside with us.
“That’s down to hard work from the players; I think the players deserve all the credit, if I’m honest.”
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