Derek McInnes of Hearts, John McGlynn who leads 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 honour. The nomination process is being run in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, and each candidate has a strong case built on recent achievements and the progress their clubs have made under their stewardship. McInnes’s candidacy is anchored in the remarkable resurgence of Heart of Midlothian. Since taking over the reins last summer, the 54‑year‑old has transformed the team into genuine title contenders, something the club has not achieved since the 1965‑66 season.
Hearts sit three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership and have dominated the league for the majority of the campaign. Their record at Tynecastle Park is particularly impressive – the side remains unbeaten at home in the league under McInnes’s leadership and has suffered only four defeats in all competitions throughout the season. This consistency has revived the hopes of a fan base that has long awaited a championship triumph. John McGlynn, meanwhile, is chasing a historic third straight Manager of the Year award after securing the accolade in both 2024 and 2025.
His work with Falkirk has been nothing short of transformative. After guiding the Bairns to successive promotions, McGlynn oversaw a top‑six finish in their first season back in the Premiership, a feat that underlines his ability to adapt tactics and motivate players at a higher level of competition.
The club’s rapid ascent under his direction has positioned Falkirk as a model for ambitious clubs aiming to climb the Scottish football ladder. Gary Naysmith’s impact at Stenhousemuir, a club competing in League One, should not be overlooked. Under his guidance, the team has become a fortress at home, remaining unbeaten at their ground for the entirety of the season.
This defensive solidity, combined with an attractive style of play, has earned Stenhousemuir recognition far beyond the expectations for a side at that tier. Naysmith’s ability to extract maximum performance from his squad demonstrates his tactical acumen and leadership qualities. Beyond the three nominees, the announcement also highlighted several other notable stories across Scottish football.
In the women’s game, Hearts’ Eva Olid has appeared on the SWPL shortlist, reflecting the club’s growing strength on both the men’s and women’s sides. The Warriors currently sit two points ahead of Inverness Caledonian Thistle with one match left, fighting for promotion to the Scottish Championship for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, Glasgow City sit second in the SWPL table, with head coach Leanne Ross also nominated after a distinguished playing career that included 13 victories for the club.
Former midfielder Gary Holt, who has managed both Kilmarnock and Falkirk and previously took charge of Livingston, is also among the SWPL nominees after steering Partick Thistle to a top‑six finish. His experience across multiple clubs adds depth to the shortlist and showcases the breadth of managerial talent operating in Scotland. The PFA Scotland awards have also been released, featuring a range of player nominations.
Hearts’ striking duo Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland are competing against Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise for the senior player of the year award. 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 categories feature Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms, and Rangers’ forward Katie Wilkinson, among others. As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, fans are being invited to vote for their favourite goal of the season. The shortlist includes a diverse group of players: 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 Youssev Chermiti. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote via the official SPFL portal.
In addition to the awards, the league continues to promote fan engagement through initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Participation is free, encouraging a broader audience to get involved with Scottish football. Overall, the nominations for Manager of the Year underscore a season of significant achievements across the Scottish game. Whether it is McInnes’s title‑challenging Hearts, McGlynn’s rapid rise with Falkirk, or Naysmith’s home‑ground dominance with Stenhousemuir, each manager has demonstrated vision, resilience, and an ability to get the best out of their squads.
The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the continued growth and excitement within Scottish football at all levels.