STEVE McClaren admitted Derby County's surge up the Championship table had taken him by surprise after a 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers gave the Rams seven consecutive league wins for the first time in 18 years.
McClaren was Jim Smith's number two in 1995 when Derby last achieved the feat - and they went on to be promoted to the top flight that season.
The club are looking upwards again and go into Christmas only three points behind leaders Burnley.
Jamie Ward punished a defensive mix-up to put Derby ahead in the 13th minute at home to Doncaster and although Chris Martin had a penalty saved by Ross Turnbull 10 minutes before the break, Derby increased their lead when Simon Dawkins scored five minutes into the second half.
An own goal by Jake Buxton just after the hour gave Doncaster hope but Derby's quality up front always threatened more goals and Martin set up Craig Bryson to seal victory in the 77th minute.
It was a far cry from McClaren's first game after being appointed head coach, when they trailed Ipswich Town 4-1 at half-time.
"If you'd have said we would be in this position, having just won seven in a row after that first half against Ipswich, I would have said you are raving mad," he said. "I would have said you've gone off your heads.
"But that's happened and a lot of credit is down to the players.
"They could have taken a while to get over the shock of Nigel Clough going but they've taken to us quite well.
"They've done the work and prepared well and when they do that, this team can play football and score goals and that always gives you a chance of winning.
"I don't want to dampen expectations, I want there to be a buzz because that's what fans want but in the dressing room and the training ground, it's business as normal.
"As long as we stay that way and keep our feet on the ground, we can continue winning but the time we get sloppy and think we've made it, this game has a habit of cutting your legs off."
