November’s Manager of the Month Tommy Breslin

HE manages the team they all need to beat in the race to be crowned Danske Bank Irish Premier League champions 2012/2013.

And on Friday, Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin was deservedly named the Manager of the Month for November by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association (NIFWA).

The Reds manager has put his team top of the premier league after four months and are proving hard to beat as the chasing pack of Crusaders, Coleraine and Ballinamallard have found.

In their last four games, the Solitude team have picked up ten out of a possible 12 points. Last Saturday, they clinched a late point away to Portadown at Shamrock Park with a penalty which spared their blushes.

It is ittle coincidence that Breslin won the same award this time last year for his heroic efforts in reviving Cliftonville’s fortunes.

Breslin said: “I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone at the club because it’s a real team effort.

“We had a very good November, coming through a lot of tough tests with good results on the board.

“While it’s my name on the award, the truth is that it has only been awarded to me thanks to the efforts and dedication of not just the team but of everyone in the backroom staff.”

With 3-0 and 4-0 wins over Linfield and Lisburn Distillery coming either side of an 8-0 hammering of Ballymena United, Cliftonville have enjoyed a very successful month.

“There’s good competition for places, which keeps everyone on their toes and means you have to play well if you want to stay in the team,” added Breslin.