TERRY Venables picked up the manager of the month prize for January and declared he'd be a happier man if he landed the award again come May.

Middlesbrough's head coach, who couldn't remember the last time he took the accolade, was quick to point out the achievement was down to a team effort, and it wasn't just him earning the plaudits.

He said: ''It is a tribute to the whole management team and that includes Bryan Robson, Viv Anderson and Gordon McQueen.

''Everyone has worked hard and we've done pretty well so far but there's still a lot of work to do.

''When I joined the club in December this award was the last thing on my mind."

Venables, who hoped the curse of the award didn't follow his team to Villa Park this afternoon, added: "I'd be very happy to win it again in May."

Venables' recognition comes after he masterminded a remarkable turnaround in Boro's fortunes since taking charge on December 16.

The 57-year-old has replaced the lack of self-belief that affected the players in the early part of the season with a new-found confidence.

Venables freely admitted he had instilled a diet of training ground drudgery in his aim to give the players back their self-belief.

The award is the first time the prize has headed to Teesside since Bryan Robson picked it up in March 1997.

Venables was chosen by Carling on the back of three draws and a win in January, which saw Boro extend their unbeaten run, which now stands at 11 games.

Valuable points on Merseyside at both Everton and Liverpool, a draw at Leeds and a 4-0 win over Derby County continued the revival of the Teessiders' fortunes under Venables.

When asked if the award was slightly embarrassing with Bryan Robson still the manager, Venables was quick to point out the decision was taken by Carling to give him the award.

"We can't change the titles, or what our jobs are," he said.

"The award is a recognition of everyone on the coaching side."

The Carling Panel said: "Terry Venables appears to have the magic touch when it comes to management .

"With the help of Bryan Robson he has turned around Middlesbrough's season and guided them out of the relegation zone.

"The team are no longer conceding goals and look set to continue their rise up the table.

"We believe this feat should be rewarded with this special accolade."