Mark Warburton said his nomination for Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for January was a “team effort”.
The Brentford boss was placed on a four-man short list for the award but missed out to Middlesbrough’s Aitor Karanka.
The Bees won three of their four league games in January, beating Norwich City and Brighton and Hove Albion away from home and Rotherham United at Griffin Park.
They were unfortunate to lose to Middlesbrough in their last game of the month, last week, and Mark, speaking to Bees Player, said any award or nomination was due to the efforts of the group.
“It is a team effort,” he said.
“There have been great performances by the squad.
“We have had three wins and an unfortunate defeat against Middlesbrough with a positive performance.
“Any award or nomination is testament to the team effort.”
Brentford face Leeds United tomorrow at Elland Road in their next Championship fixture.
Leeds have won their last two – beating league leaders AFC Bournemouth at home and Huddersfield Town away.
Neil Redfearn took over as Leeds boss in October, having previously been in charge in a caretaker capacity earlier in the season, to become the fourth permanent manager at Elland Road in five months.
Leeds won two of Redfearn’s first five games in permanent charge but hadn’t won since the end of November before the back-to-back victories.
Mark said they had options in attack – with Billy Sharp and Steve Morison – and energy in midfield with Luke Murphy and Lewis Cook.
The Brentford Manager said, as ever, Brentford would have to be at their best.
“Leeds have had two good results recently, beating Huddersfield in a local derby and Bournemouth,” said Mark.
“Their confidence will be high.
“We have noted they have pressed hard with good energy and good movement in midfield with Murphy and Cook.
“They have options up front with Morison and Sharp and consistency at the back.
“We are aware of the threat they pose, they are tough to beat.
“Our job is to go there and impose ourselves.
“As always, if we do that, we will be OK.
“Neil Redfearn has done an outstanding job.
“It is a long journey, a tough challenge, a good stadium; they are a confident team on good form.
“If we are not at our best we will get hurt, but that goes for every game.”
Brentford won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Griffin Park.
“No team wants to be beaten home and away,” said Mark.
“Middlesbrough did it to us and it is hurting because we played very well.
“Leeds will be hungry for revenge.
“We produced a solid, commanding performance at home and were comfortable.
“They will know about our strengths and will think there are areas they can exploit.
“It will be a tough challenge but if we do what we have done recently we will be OK.”
The January Transfer Window closed on Monday.
Brentford signed Jack O’Connell from Blackburn Rovers on deadline day and Mark said the Club did look at doing other deals but they did not come off.
Clubs can make loan signings from Tuesday, February 10, onwards but Mark said he did not see a need to get players in unless they would add value.
“The loan window is there and there are options if we need them,” said Mark.
“The squad is in good shape and we have always said that if we sign someone they have to add value on and off the pitch.
“We are in a good position in the league and we want to kick on.
“Fans are interested and want to hear about us signing players.
“We were close on a number of targets that didn’t happen, for whatever reason.
“Things happen in football.
“The key question is are we in a position to kick on from here and we are.
“We have 18 games left and are in the top six.
“It is our job to cement that and move forward.
“I know the squad is more than good enough.”
O’Connell has trained with The Bees this week.
“Jack is composed, comfortable on the ball and technically good,” said Mark.
“He is strong, with a good physique and in tremendous physical shape.
“He is a young player that ticks all the right boxes for us and has a good future ahead of him.
“He fits our model and I am delighted to secure Jack.”
Brentford welcomed Alan McCormack back to match action this week when he played 75 minutes for the Development Squad in an Under-21 Professional Development League match against Cardiff having suffered an ankle injury in October.
Mark said Lewis Macleod and Alan Judge were also close to a return.
Nick Proschwitz scored the only goal in the Cardiff clash and Mark said he was one of a number of players pushing for a place.
“I am delighted for Alan McCormack, “said Mark.
“It has taken him three and a half months to come back, working tirelessly with the medical team.
“He played 75 minutes and did well.
“It is great to see him back.
“Lewis and Alan Judge are both outside with the medical team.
“One is running, one doing a variety of multidirectional movements.
“They are looking good and are close now, they will be considered for selection when they are ready.
“We have other guys – Nick Proschwitz, Marcos Tébar, Betinho – all pushing hard.
“There are only 11 shirts and only 18 in a squad, who can I rest or rotate from our current squad?
“Our 18 is in strong shape.”
A full video interview with Mark Warburton is available for Bees Player subscribers.