Liam Buckley insists Sligo Rovers will enjoy the view from the summit as they look to cement top spot going into the summer break.
But the Bit O’Red boss warned that the new league leaders are only a handful of injuries or suspensions from getting knocked off their perch.
And that is why he will consider approaching club chiefs to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window.
Romeo Parkes bagged the only goal of Monday’s top-two clash with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght to leapfrog the champions into pole position.
And victory away to Finn Harps on Friday night will guarantee their standing as top dogs going into the League of Ireland’s mini-break on Saturday evening.
Buckley said: “Oh Jesus, I tell you, I may not look it but I'm over the moon. I'm delighted because I know the amount of work going on behind the scenes.
“I know it's only 13 or 14 games gone, but to go top is great for the group and great for the community in Sligo.
“Living up there now and seeing the effort and time that they put into the club, and the committee of people who run the club, it's a great reward for them.
“I’ve no doubt they were celebrating on Monday night. We won’t be getting too excited but to be at the top is great.
“We haven't done too badly and we’ve a good group. If we keep everyone fit, we're competitive.
“I feel for Shamrock Rovers because I was like them last year with half a dozen injuries and couldn’t win a game.
“That said, their starting XI is still a top class XI. But I see us getting better and, slowly but surely, we're getting a better style about ourselves.
“We’ve good footballers and individually we’ve some fantastic footballers, it's just collectively we have to get better.
“We're not getting carried away. We’ll keep our feet on the ground because if we don’t show up on Friday, Finn Harps will beat us.”
But with a Europa League campaign looming this summer, Buckley knows his tight squad will be tested to the max if they are serious about a title challenge.
He still has club stalwart David Cawley and Danny Kane to return from injuries, but additional reinforcements may be required.
Sligo Rovers are chasing a first league title since 2012 and Buckley feels he has the club’s support regarding the makeup of his squad.
“To be fair they were great last year when we had our six injuries and we were struggling badly,” he continued.
“We brought in one or two, steadied the ship and then pushed on and got to Europe. Now we're at the top, but I'm happy with the group we have.
“They can all play and will all contribute. We'll see if we bring anyone in for Europe, but it may be something we do.”
Greg Bolger has arguably been Sligo Rovers’ best signing this year and he spearheaded Monday’s win over his old club Shamrock Rovers.
The Wexford man was a league winner at St Pat’s under Buckley in 2013 and the Bit O’Red boss is hoping for another successful partnership.
‘Bucko’ added: “He won the league and cup with Pats, the league and cup with Cork, the league and cup with Rovers and if he could do it with Sligo I'd be delighted.”
