Derek McInnes of Hearts, John McGlynn who leads Falkirk, and Gary Naysmith, the manager 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 for McInnes comes in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland and recognises his remarkable work in steering Hearts to the edge of a league title – a feat the club has not achieved since 1966. The Edinburgh side sit three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, having dominated the campaign for the vast majority of the season. Since taking over in the summer, the 54‑year‑old has kept Hearts unbeaten at Tynecastle Park in league play and has suffered only four defeats across all competitions this term.
John McGlynn, meanwhile, is chasing a historic third straight Manager of the Year award after collecting the accolade in both 2024 and 2025. His stewardship has taken Falkirk to new heights.
Following consecutive promotions, the Bairns finished their first season back in the top flight inside the top six, a testament to McGlynn’s tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his squad. Gary Naysmith has also impressed with Stenhousemuir, guiding the club to an unbeaten home record in League One. His side have been difficult opponents on their own turf, and the consistency they have shown has earned Naysmith a place among the league’s elite coaches. Beyond the men’s game, the shortlist also features several notable figures from the women’s game.
Hearts’ Eva Olid appears on the SWPL Manager shortlist, while Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross is nominated after leading her team to a second‑place finish and aiming for her second league crown as head coach. Former Kilmarnock and Falkirk midfielder‑turned‑coach Gary Holt also makes the cut after taking charge of Partick Thistle in November and steering them to a top‑six position in the SWPL. The awards season is not limited to managers. Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland are competing against Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year prize.
In the young‑player category, Rangers’ Mikey Moore joins the field alongside Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, Arbroath’s Findlay Marshall and Dundee’s Luke Graham. On the women’s side, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been shortlisted, with Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers’ forward Katie Wilkinson also in contention. The young‑player nominations feature Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s 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 talent: 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’ duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve nominated strikes and cast their vote for the most spectacular finish. In addition to the accolades, the league continues to promote fan engagement through various initiatives.
Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience when watching highlights and live streams. The Scottish Premiership can be followed via a live table, and matches are available to stream without a contractual commitment, offering free access to highlights for those who prefer a more flexible viewing arrangement. The broader context of Scottish football this season highlights a competitive landscape across both the men’s and women’s divisions. Hearts remain three points ahead at the top of the Premiership, while the Warriors of Inverness Caledonian Thistle sit just two points behind in the race for promotion to the Scottish Championship.
In the women’s game, Hearts are also two points clear at the summit, poised to claim their first SWPL title, while Glasgow City continue to challenge for the top spot. Overall, the nominations underscore the depth of talent among Scottish managers and players, reflecting a season filled with impressive performances, strategic breakthroughs, and moments of individual brilliance. As the awards ceremony approaches, supporters and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which of these distinguished figures will lift the coveted Manager of the Year trophy and which players will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions on the pitch.