Scottish Football Manager Awards 2026: Who is Nominated?

Three top Scottish football managers are nominated for the Manager of the Year award. Hearts' Derek McInnes leads the Premiership, Falkirk's John McGlynn secured a top-six spot, and Stenhousemuir's Gary Naysmith is near the League One top.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

McInnes, McGlynn, Naysmith Vie for Top Managerial Honour

Derek McInnes of Hearts, John McGlynn of Falkirk, and Gary Naysmith of Stenhousemuir have been formally acknowledged as nominees for the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland's Manager of the Year award. This recognition places them in a contested field for a significant individual accolade within the Scottish football landscape.

The shortlist reflects strong performances across different tiers of the Scottish football pyramid, with McInnes’ Hearts currently leading the Premiership by three points. McGlynn’s Falkirk have secured a top-six finish in the Premiership following consecutive promotions, while Naysmith’s Stenhousemuir are positioned within two points of the League One summit.

Other Recognitions Across Tiers

The scope of managerial recognition extends beyond the primary SPFL award. In the women's game, Eva Olid of Hearts is also in contention for the SWPL Manager of the Year. Olid’s side is currently atop the SWPL table, holding a two-point lead. Other nominees for the SWPL award include Gary Holt (Partick Thistle) and Leanne Ross (Glasgow City).

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Additional accolades acknowledge emerging talent and broader contributions. Categories such as PFA Player of the Year have seen nominations including Claudio Braga, Lawrence Shankland, Elijah Just, and Tawanda Maswanhise. Youth categories also feature recognition for figures like Mikey Moore (Rangers) and Barney Stewart (Falkirk).

Historical Context and Previous Awards

While the exact publication dates of the nominations vary across different reports, the focus remains on the current season's achievements. Notably, past SPFL Manager of the Year awardees, such as Brendan Rodgers, have been mentioned in contexts surrounding these awards, though not necessarily for the current nomination cycle presented here. For instance, the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year nominees for the 2025 season, as per one report, included Brendan Rodgers (Celtic), David Gray (Hibernian), and John McGlynn (Falkirk), indicating a recurring presence of some individuals in these discussions. Similarly, past performances are referenced, such as Killie's fourth-place finish under McInnes' guidance in a prior season, securing European football.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the main nominees for the Scottish Manager of the Year award in 2026?
Derek McInnes of Hearts, John McGlynn of Falkirk, and Gary Naysmith of Stenhousemuir are nominated for the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland's Manager of the Year award.
Q: How are these managers performing this season?
Derek McInnes' Hearts are leading the Premiership by three points. John McGlynn's Falkirk have secured a top-six finish in the Premiership. Gary Naysmith's Stenhousemuir are close to the top of League One, just two points away.
Q: Are there any awards for the women's game?
Yes, Eva Olid of Hearts is nominated for the SWPL Manager of the Year award. Her team is currently at the top of the SWPL table.
Q: Who else is recognised in other football awards?
Nominees for PFA Player of the Year include Claudio Braga, Lawrence Shankland, Elijah Just, and Tawanda Maswanhise. Youth awards also recognise Mikey Moore and Barney Stewart.