Derek McInnes of Heart of Midlothian, John McGlynn, who steers Falkirk, and Gary Naysmith, the man at the helm of League One side Stenhousemuir, have all been placed on the shortlist for the Scottish Professional Football League’s Manager of the Year award. The nomination process, conducted in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, recognises the impressive achievements each of these coaches has delivered over the course of the 2025‑26 campaign. McInnes, who took over the Hearts job in the summer of 2025, has guided the club back into contention for the top prize in Scottish football for the first time since the 1965‑66 season. Under his leadership, the Jambos have been dominant in the Premiership, sitting three points clear at the summit and maintaining a remarkable unbeaten run at Tynecastle Park.
Since his appointment, the team has suffered only four defeats across all competitions, a testament to the tactical discipline and motivational skills McInnes brings to the squad. His ability to blend experienced veterans with emerging talent has revitalised Hearts, making them genuine title challengers as the season draws to a close.
John McGlynn is also vying for a historic third straight Manager of the Year honour after securing the accolade in both 2024 and 2025. The former player‑turned‑coach has taken Falkirk on an upward trajectory that began with consecutive promotions, culminating in a top‑six finish in the club’s first season back in the Scottish Premiership. McGlynn’s side have impressed with a brand of attacking football that has delighted supporters and drawn praise from pundits.
His emphasis on developing young players while maintaining a solid defensive foundation has allowed the Bairns to compete effectively against more established clubs, positioning them as a rising force in Scottish football. Gary Naysmith’s work at Stenhousemuir has not gone unnoticed either.
The former professional who now manages the League One outfit has overseen a season in which the team remains unbeaten at home, turning the club’s modest stadium into a fortress. Naysmith’s pragmatic approach, focusing on organisation and resilience, has enabled Stenhousemuir to punch above their weight and challenge for promotion. His ability to get the best out of a limited budget and foster a strong team spirit has earned him a well‑deserved place on the shortlist.
Beyond the three male managers, the SPFL awards ceremony also highlights achievements in the women’s game. Hearts’ women’s side, led by Eva Olid, are currently two points clear at the top of the SWPL and are in strong contention to capture their first league title.
Glasgow City sit second in the table, with head coach Leanne Ross nominated for a second league‑winning trophy after a distinguished playing career that saw her claim 13 victories for the club. Former Kilmarnock and Falkirk midfielder Gary Holt, now in charge of Partick Thistle, completes the women’s shortlist after guiding the Jags to a top‑six finish. The awards night will also feature categories for players, with Hearts’ striker Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Claudio Braga among the nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award. In the young‑player segment, Rangers’ Mikey Moore, Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, Arbroath’s Findlay Marshall and Dundee’s Luke Graham are all in contention.
Women’s player nominations include Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, while the young‑player prize sees a mix of talent from Rangers, Hibernian, and Glasgow City. As the 2025/26 season reaches its dramatic climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite goal of the campaign. The shortlist features a diverse array of scorers: Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Dundee United’s Zac Sapsford, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ Alex Kyziridis, Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan, and Rangers’ Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. Supporters can view all twelve spectacular strikes and cast their vote online.
In addition to the accolades, the SPFL continues to engage supporters through interactive initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Participants can enter for free, adding an extra layer of excitement to the closing weeks of the Scottish football calendar.
Overall, the nominations reflect a season of remarkable managerial performances across both the men’s and women’s leagues. Whether it is McInnes steering Hearts back into title contention, McGlynn elevating Falkirk to a respectable Premiership standing, or Naysmith turning Stenhousemuir into a home‑ground stronghold, each coach has demonstrated the vision, resilience, and tactical acumen that the SPFL seeks to honour. The upcoming awards ceremony promises to celebrate these achievements and highlight the continued growth and competitiveness of Scottish football at all levels.