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 accolade. The nomination of McInnes comes in partnership with the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland and recognises his remarkable work in guiding Hearts to the cusp of their first Scottish Premiership championship since the club’s historic triumph in 1966.
The Jambos sit three points clear at the summit of the top flight and have dominated the league table for the majority of the campaign. Since taking the helm last 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 season, a record that underscores his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his squad. John McGlynn, meanwhile, is vying for an unprecedented third straight Manager of the Year award after securing the honour in both 2024 and 2025.
His stewardship of Falkirk has propelled the Bairns to new heights. Following consecutive promotions, Falkirk returned to the Scottish Premiership and immediately secured a top‑six finish in their comeback season – a testament to McGlynn’s capacity to rebuild and motivate a team in transition. His consistent success has placed him firmly in the conversation for a historic hat‑trick of individual accolades. Gary Naysmith’s Stenhousemuir have also impressed this term, maintaining an unbeaten record at home in League One.
Under his guidance, the club has become a difficult proposition for visiting sides, showcasing a disciplined defensive structure and a proactive attacking mindset. Naysmith’s impact has not gone unnoticed, and his inclusion on the shortlist highlights the breadth of managerial talent across all tiers of Scottish football. Beyond the men’s game, the awards ceremony also celebrates achievements in the women’s game. Hearts’ Eva Olid has been named to the SWPL shortlist, and her team currently sit two points clear at the top of the women’s league, poised to claim their inaugural title.
Glasgow City, now second in the table, have Leanne Ross among their nominees; Ross seeks her second league trophy as a head coach after a distinguished playing career that yielded 13 victories for the club. Gary Holt, a former midfielder for Kilmarnock and Falkirk who has also managed Livingston, rounds out the SWPL manager nominations after steering Partick Thistle to a top‑six finish. The PFA Scotland awards are also in full swing.
Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland are competing against Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise for the Player of the Year honour. In the young player category, Rangers’ Mikey Moore joins the shortlist 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’ Katie Wilkinson, while the young women’s prize includes Laura Berry and May Cruft of Rangers, Rosie Livingstone of Hibernian, and Lisa Forrest of Glasgow City.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. Contenders include Aberdeen’s Marko Lazitic, 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 shortlisted goals and cast their vote for the most spectacular finish of the campaign.
In addition to the footballing accolades, the league continues to engage supporters with interactive promotions. A current campaign invites fans to play the Super 6 fantasy game for a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool, with entry available at no cost. This initiative aims to deepen fan involvement and reward loyalty throughout the season.
Overall, the nominations reflect a year of exceptional performances across Scottish football, both on the men’s and women’s sides. From McInnes’ near‑historic title challenge with Hearts, through McGlynn’s rapid ascent with Falkirk, to Naysmith’s solidifying of Stenhousemuir’s home dominance, the shortlist showcases the strategic brilliance, leadership, and adaptability that define the modern Scottish manager. The upcoming awards ceremony will not only honour these individuals but also celebrate the continued growth and competitiveness of football throughout Scotland.