Larne manager Tiernan Lynch has been named NIFWA Manager of the Month for November.

Lynch – who also won the prestigious Belleek trophy in October – steered Larne through the month unbeaten with league wins over Crusaders, Cliftonville and Coleraine.

“To win two in a row is really special. I’m honoured that the Football Writers’ have selected to me again, however I don’t see this as an individual award. We win or lose as a team, and that includes awards. Our success is a result of a collective effort, so this award was not won by me but by everyone at Larne Football Club.

“We spent a lot of time ensuring that we recruited not simply good players, but good people as we wanted to build a culture of success. This award reflects the hard work of everyone at this club. It’s a special place to be, right now.”

Larne, who won the County Antrim Shield on Wednesday with a penalty shoot-out win over Glentoran, are now considered genuine title contenders.

Lynch, however, isn’t getting carried away with club’s recent success due to the high standard of the Danske Bank Premiership.

“There’s a real work ethic in the league. The standard has improved so much in the last few years because all the managers are working so hard. I am fortunate in the sense that this is my living, I have a massive amount of respect for the guys who are managing in the Irish League while juggling a full-time job.

“The standard is so good that you can take nothing for granted. Our preparation and attention to detail is exactly the same for every game. There are no easy games.

“It’s too early to talk about a league challenge. My job is to ensure the players keep working hard and I believe that if they do that, we will reap the rewards.”