Derek McInnes of Heart of Midlothian, 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 award. The nomination process is being run in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, and each of the three candidates has a compelling case built on recent achievements and the progress they have driven at their respective clubs. McInnes’s inclusion stems from his remarkable work at Hearts, where he has steered the club to the edge of a historic Premiership triumph. The last time Hearts lifted the top‑flight trophy was in 1966, and under McInnes’s guidance the team now sits three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, having led the league for the majority of the campaign.
Since taking over in the summer of last year, the 54‑year‑old manager has overseen an unbeaten run at Tynecastle Park in league play and has limited the side to just four defeats across the entire season. Those results have not only revived the supporters’ hopes but also re‑established Hearts as genuine contenders for the crown.
John McGlynn, meanwhile, is chasing a record third straight Manager of the Year accolade after securing the prize in both 2024 and 2025. His tenure at Falkirk has been characterised by rapid advancement and sustained excellence. After guiding the Bairns to consecutive promotions, McGlynn oversaw a top‑six finish in their first season back in the Premiership, an achievement that underscores his ability to adapt tactics and motivate players at a higher level of competition. The consistency of Falkirk’s performances under his stewardship has cemented his reputation as one of Scotland’s most promising managerial talents.
Gary Naysmith’s nomination reflects the impressive turnaround he has orchestrated at Stenhousemuir. Competing in League One, his side has become a fortress at home, remaining unbeaten on their own turf throughout the season. This defensive solidity, combined with an attractive style of play, has seen the club punch above its weight and attract attention from the broader football community. Naysmith’s experience as a former professional player, coupled with his keen understanding of the lower‑league dynamics, has been instrumental in fostering a winning mentality within the squad.
Beyond the three primary nominees, the announcement also highlighted a range of other managerial and player recognitions across Scottish football. In the women’s game, Eva Olid from Hearts has secured a place on the SWPL shortlist, while Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross is also nominated after a successful transition from a decorated playing career to head coach.
Gary Holt, a former midfielder for Kilmarnock and Falkirk who has managed both the Bairns and Livingston, joins the shortlist after steering Partick Thistle to a respectable top‑six finish in the SWPL. The player awards are equally diverse.
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 title. In the young player category, Rangers’ Mikey Moore, Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, Arbroath’s Findlay Marshall and Dundee’s Luke Graham have been shortlisted.
The women’s player and young player nominations feature Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms, Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, as well as a mix of emerging talents from Laura Berry, May Cruft, Rosie Livingstone and Lisa Forrest. As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, fans are also being invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes spectacular strikes from across the league, such as 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 goals and cast their votes via the official voting portal.
In addition to the footballing accolades, the announcement also promotes a promotional opportunity: participants can enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with entry being free of charge. This initiative aims to engage the fan base further and add an extra layer of excitement as the season reaches its climax. Overall, the nominations underscore a season of resurgence and ambition across Scottish football.
Whether it is Hearts challenging for a title after six decades, Falkirk cementing its place among the elite, or Stenhousemuir establishing a home‑ground stronghold, each manager’s story reflects dedication, strategic acumen, and a deep connection with their clubs. The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the collective progress of Scottish football as it continues to evolve and capture the imagination of supporters nationwide.