Derek McInnes of Hearts, John McGlynn who steers Falkirk, and Gary Naysmith, the man in charge of League One outfit Stenhousemuir, have all been placed on the shortlist for the Scottish Professional Football League’s Manager of the Year honour. The nomination process is being run in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, and each candidate has a compelling case built around recent achievements and the progress they have guided their clubs to. McInnes’s nomination stems from the remarkable resurgence he has engineered at Hearts.
Since taking the helm last summer, the 54‑year‑old has transformed the Tynecastle side into genuine title contenders, pushing the club to the edge of a first Scottish Premiership crown since the historic triumph of 1966. The Jambos sit three points clear at the summit of the top flight, having maintained a dominant position for the majority of the campaign. Under McInnes’s guidance, Hearts have been unbeaten at home in league play and have suffered only four defeats across all competitions this season, a testament to both tactical acumen and the ability to inspire confidence throughout the squad. John McGlynn, meanwhile, is chasing a record third straight Manager of the Year award after securing the accolade in both 2024 and 2025.
His tenure at Falkirk has been characterised by rapid ascent and consistent performance. After guiding the Bairns to consecutive promotions, McGlynn oversaw a top‑six finish in Falkirk’s inaugural season back in the Scottish Premiership, a feat that underscores his skill in building competitive teams capable of challenging more established clubs. The consistency of his results, combined with an attractive style of play, has kept him firmly in the conversation for yet another personal accolade.
Gary Naysmith’s work with Stenhousemuir has also drawn considerable attention. The former professional player has taken a part‑time side in League One and turned them into a formidable opponent, especially on their own ground where they remain unbeaten. This defensive solidity, coupled with an attacking flair that has produced a number of memorable victories, highlights Naysmith’s ability to maximise limited resources and develop a cohesive unit capable of punching above its weight.
Beyond the three nominees, the announcement also touched on a range of other awards and storylines within Scottish football. In the women’s game, Hearts’ Eva Olid appears on the SWPL shortlist, and her team currently sit two points ahead at the top of the table, eyeing a historic first‑ever title.
Glasgow City, occupying second place, have Leanne Ross nominated as she seeks a second league trophy as head coach after a distinguished playing career that included 13 wins for the club. Gary Holt, a former midfielder for Kilmarnock and Falkirk who has also managed Livingston, rounds out the SWPL manager shortlist after steering Partick Thistle to a top‑six finish. The PFA Scotland awards are also in the spotlight, with Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland battling Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise for the Player of the Year prize. In the young player category, Rangers’ Mikey Moore joins the likes of Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, Arbroath’s Findlay Marshall and Dundee’s Luke Graham.
Women’s player and young player nominees feature Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms, Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, as well as a mix of emerging talent from Laura Berry, May Cruft, Rosie Livingstone and Lisa Forrest. As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes a diverse array of striking moments: Marko Lazitic (Aberdeen), Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor (Celtic), Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic), Ethan Hamilton (Dundee), Zac Sapsford (Dundee United), Kyrell Wilson (Falkirk), Alex Kyziridis (Hearts), Ben Brannan (Kilmarnock) and the Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve contenders and cast their votes via the provided link. In addition to the awards, the league continues to promote fan engagement through various initiatives, such as the Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize pool, which remains free to enter. The SPFL also encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video player experience when streaming highlights and live matches.
Overall, the nominations reflect a season of impressive managerial performances across both the men’s and women’s games in Scotland. Whether it is McInnes’s title‑challenging Hearts, McGlynn’s rapid rise with Falkirk, or Naysmith’s resilient Stenhousemuir, each manager has demonstrated a blend of strategic insight, motivational leadership, and an ability to get the best out of their squads. The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate individual excellence but also underscore the vibrant and competitive nature of Scottish football at all levels.