Brentford boss Thomas Frank says hard work and togetherness are the key ingredients of the success the club is currently enjoying.

Speaking to The Sun after being awarded Manager of the Month, he said: "We have this unique togetherness where you can see that everything's aligned from top to bottom – from the staff, players and me to the board and owner.

"We're all good people who work in the same direction. We have this attitude, believe in ourselves and are humble. If you're not humble, someone will run past you.

"We also work extremely hard because you achieve nothing otherwise. You must perform every day and that performance comes on and off the training pitch. These bits are extremely important.

"Beside that is our style of play where we're clear in how we want to do it. That added together and consistency reaps great results. Maybe we didn't have the margins with us last year but if we keep doing this the scoreboard will take care of itself."

The Bees played eight Championship games in December and won five of them. The other three were drawn to ensure Brentford were unbeaten through the month and that was enough to earn Thomas, on behalf of the squad, the award.

They bagged 18 points in their eight games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just eight.

This great run also saw home wins over Reading and AFC Bournemouth, who are in the top six in the table, as well as away victories against Rotherham United, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City. The Bees also beat Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Quarter Final.