Allan Johnston has won the Ladbrokes manager of the month award for the month of December.
Dunfermline won all four of their games last month – including a 2-1 victory away at title rivals Ayr – and find themselves with a nine point lead at the top of the table.
Johnston, who led Queen of the South to the League One title in 2013, said: “I’m delighted. It’s always good when you get a bit of recognition.
“You’re really getting the recognition on behalf of the players and all the work they’ve done because they’ve been unbelievable this season, not just over the month.
“The consistency the boys have shown is reflected in the results we’ve been getting.
“But the last thing you’re going to do is get carried away.
“We’re in a good position just now, but there are loads of games to go – we’re just past the halfway point.”
Johnston insists Faissal El Bakhtaoui and the rest of his Dunfermline stars are going nowhere in January.
The Pars striker has 19 goals in all competitions this season and has been linked with a host of top clubs.
But Johnston believes his title chasers must keep their best players over the January transfer window if they’re to be playing Championship football next season.
He added: “We can’t afford to lose any of our best players. It’s too important a season.
“We’ve got ambitions to win the league and you want to strengthen the team rather than weaken it.”