Derek McInnes of Heart of Midlothian, John McGlynn who steers 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 comes as part of a joint initiative with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, recognising the exceptional achievements each coach has delivered over the course of the 2025/26 season. McInnes’s nomination is largely driven by his remarkable work in guiding Hearts back to the cusp of a league title – a feat the club has not achieved since 1966. Under his leadership, the Jambos sit three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership and have dominated the competition for the majority of the campaign.
Since taking over in the summer of last year, the 54‑year‑old has overseen an unbeaten run at Tynecastle Park in league play and has suffered only four defeats across all competitions this season. This consistency has turned Hearts into genuine title challengers and has revitalised a fan base that has long yearned for top‑flight glory. John McGlynn, meanwhile, is eyeing a historic third straight Manager of the Year award after securing the accolade in both 2024 and 2025.
His impact at Falkirk has been transformative; after back‑to‑back promotions that saw the Bairns climb from the lower tiers to the Premiership, they finished their first season back among the league’s top six. McGlynn’s tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of a relatively modest squad have earned him widespread admiration and now place him in contention for a record‑breaking third trophy of this nature.
Gary Naysmith’s work with Stenhousemuir has also drawn considerable praise. The former professional player has turned the League One side into a formidable home force, keeping the club unbeaten at their home ground throughout the season.
Their solid performances have not only lifted the club’s standing but have also highlighted Naysmith’s capacity to develop talent and instil a resilient mindset in his players. Beyond the three nominees, the broader Scottish football landscape is buzzing with other notable storylines. In the women’s game, Hearts’ Eva Olid has been shortlisted for the SWPL Manager of the Year award, reflecting the club’s simultaneous push for success on both the men’s and women’s fronts.
The women’s side currently sit two points clear at the top of their league and are poised to claim their first championship title. Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross, who previously amassed 13 wins as a player for the club, is also in the running, seeking a second league trophy as head coach.
Gary Holt, a former midfielder for Kilmarnock and Falkirk who has also managed Livingston, rounds out the shortlist after steering Partick Thistle to a top‑six finish in the SWPL. The season’s excitement extends to individual player awards as well.
Hearts’ striking duo Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland are competing against Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year. In the young player category, Rangers’ Mikey Moore joins the list alongside Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, Arbroath’s Findlay Marshall and Dundee’s Luke Graham. The women’s player and young player nominations feature Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms, Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, and several promising talents from across the league.
As the 2025/26 campaign approaches its climax, fans are invited to vote for the season’s best goal in the Scottish Premiership. The shortlist includes 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 contenders online and cast their votes for the most memorable strike. In addition to the on‑field drama, the league continues to promote fan engagement through interactive initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a £250,000 prize pool and is open to free entry. These efforts aim to maintain high levels of interest and participation as the season draws to a dramatic close.
Overall, the nominations for Manager of the Year underscore the significant progress made by each club under its respective coach. Whether it is Hearts’ resurgence toward a historic league crown, Falkirk’s rapid ascent and consolidation in the top flight, or Stenhousemuir’s impressive home record, each manager has demonstrated strategic vision, resilience, and an ability to inspire their squads. The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the broader narrative of Scottish football’s growth and competitive spirit during a season that has already delivered countless memorable moments.