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 accolade. The nominations were made in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, recognising the remarkable achievements each coach has delivered over the course of the 2025‑26 campaign. McInnes’s nomination stems from his extraordinary guidance of Heart of Midlothian, a club that has been flirting with a league crown for the first time since their historic triumph in 1966.
Under his stewardship, the Jambos have been perched three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, maintaining a consistent lead throughout the season. Since taking the reins last summer, the 54‑year‑old has overseen an unbeaten run at Tynecastle Park in league play and has suffered only four defeats across all competitions, a record that underscores his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his squad.
John McGlynn, meanwhile, is chasing a remarkable third straight Manager of the Year award after securing the honour in both 2024 and 2025. His work with Falkirk has continued to push the club to new heights.
After back‑to‑back promotions that saw the Bairns climb from the lower divisions, McGlynn guided them to a respectable top‑six finish in their inaugural season back in the Premiership. The consistency of his side, combined with an attractive brand of football, has earned him widespread admiration and now a third nomination for the prestigious award. Gary Naysmith’s impact at Stenhousemuir has also not gone unnoticed. The former professional player has transformed the League One side into a formidable opponent, keeping the team unbeaten at home throughout the season.
His ability to organize a solid defensive unit while encouraging attacking flair has made Stenhousemuir one of the most exciting teams to watch in the division, earning Naysmith a well‑deserved place on the shortlist. Beyond the three nominees, the SPFL’s awards season is packed with other notable recognitions.
In the women’s game, Hearts’ Eva Olid has been named to the SWPL Manager of the Year shortlist, reflecting the club’s strong position at the top of the women’s table, where they sit two points clear and are poised to claim their first title. Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross, a former club legend with 13 playing titles, is also nominated, hoping to add a managerial trophy to her impressive résumé.
The shortlist for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year sees Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland competing against Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. 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.
The women’s player and young player categories feature Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova, Hearts’ Georgia Timms, Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, and a selection of emerging talents such as 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 their favourite goal of the campaign.
The shortlist includes striking efforts from 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’ promising duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. Supporters can view all twelve contenders and cast their vote for the most memorable strike. In addition to the awards, the SPFL continues to promote fan engagement through initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool at no cost.
This interactive element aims to keep supporters connected to the league’s narrative as the final matches approach. Overall, the nominations for McInnes, McGlynn and Naysmith highlight the diverse range of managerial talent across Scottish football, from the top tier of the Premiership down to the grassroots enthusiasm of League One. Their achievements this season—whether it be steering Hearts to a historic title challenge, elevating Falkirk to a respectable Premiership standing, or forging an unbeaten home record with Stenhousemuir—demonstrate the impact strong leadership can have on a club’s fortunes.
The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate these individual successes but also underscore the vibrant, competitive spirit that defines Scottish football today.