AS AWARDS season approaches, the polished silverware sits waiting to be paraded by the winners.

Unsung heroes live with the ringing endorsement of their supporters who bask in their achievements.

In Steve Cotterill's case, that should mean a summer spent reflecting on a solid first season back in management after expertly guiding the smallest squad in the Championship through the 50-point safety barrier with seven games remaining.

But while the Burnley boss hails avoiding relegation as a minor miracle, he revealed the only place a manager can truly be happy is on the winners' podium when the trophies are handed out.

He said: "While being mid-table might be an achievement with what we've had to work with, I wouldn't say it was an achievement for me personally.

"It's an unbelievable achievement to do it with seven games to go, but we haven't won anything and I'd rather look upon achievements when you've won things.

"While we've had a great season, we could also have been right down there in the relegation mire, but all credit goes to the boys because they have gone out there and given their all.

"It's down to them, the way they have taken things on board and worked hard for us to be where we are.

"Bear in mind we've used the same players week in, week out all season long and that was bound to catch up with us.

"But beating Watford on Saturday means we can now take that enthusiasm into the West Ham game, which will help us."

The Hammers arrive at Turf Moor still trying to nail down a play-off place after a roller-coaster season.

Under-fire boss Alan Pardew has kept United in the play-off frame since the opening weeks of the season, albeit without being able to anchor themselves in the top six as the season enters the home straight.

But with Cotterill keeping one eye on Burnley's own faint play-off hopes, he insists now is not the time to experiment with his side, safe in the knowledge that Championship football has already been secured.

The Clarets boss added: "West Ham are in with a shout of the play-offs and they are tough to play wherever they are in the league.

"Alan has been pretty successful wherever he's been and he's had to turn around a lot of the playing staff at West Ham as well, so I think he's done a good job.

"They are a great club with a great tradition, and we know we've got our hands full.

"But it's hard (for me) to experiment in this game because you are always trying to play well and win.

"Maybe we will do a few things before the end of the season and maybe not, it just depends on how we go.

"But you've got to be careful you don't experiment too much, because when do you do it against sides like West Ham, it's a bit of a risk.

"It's a luxury just having players at the moment!"