STEVE Bruce dedicated Hull City's derby win over Leeds United to supporters as the Tigers ended 2012 by confirming their undeniable status as Yorkshire's top dogs.
A seldom-witnessed mismatch in class saw City run out comfortable 2-0 winners to complete a first league double over Leeds for 25 years.
The 15th win of the campaign cemented City's position of second in the Championship – five points behind Cardiff ahead of the trip to Blackpool tomorrow.
Bruce called for level heads, but admits the classy win over Leeds was special.
"I've been in the game too long to get carried away, but going into the New Year as the top team in Yorkshire is terrific for the people of Hull," he said.
"I am delighted they have something to crow about because we are out on a limb over here."
A seven-game unbeaten run has announced City as a genuine contender for automatic promotion.
Goals from Corry Evans and David Meyler provided the perfect result before the curtain falls on 2012, and Bruce will now turn his attentions to the pivotal month of January.
The transfer window provides an opportunity to extend the loans of the influential Meyler and Robbie Brady, from Sunderland and Manchester United respectively, and see Bruce move back in for Fulham's David Stockdale.
The goalkeeper made his first Premier League start of the season in a 2-1 loss to Swansea on Saturday, but City will still pursue the Leeds-born star.
"The big thing in front of us is to secure what we have got. There are two or three loan signings who need sorting out," he said.
"For example, we thought there was a deal there to do for Stockdale but then he plays in goal for Fulham. Meyler is another one and so is Brady. So, before we start spouting on about a striker, I need to shore up this group we have.
"Meyler could possibly be permanent but I have to speak to Martin O'Neill. January is difficult because Martin will probably have to have someone lined up himself.
"To try and prise someone away is like if someone comes after one of ours in January. They would have no chance, unless they break the bank. And even then I don't think the owners would even contemplate it."
Bruce again admitted his interest in Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell and Swansea frontman Danny Graham, but preferred to heap praise on his current crop.
"I couldn't pick a man of the match," he added. "We had seven or eight, at least, who were really playing at the top of their game. We absolutely smashed Leeds, let's be fair about that."
• AHMED Elmohamady is a doubt for tomorrow's trip to Blackpool after suffering a strained calf muscle. He was due to be assessed by City's medical staff this morning.
