The Scottish Football Writers’ Association has named four managers on its Manager of the Year shortlist: Jens Berthel Askou (Motherwell), John McGlynn (Falkirk), Derek McInnes (Hearts) and Martin O’Neill (Celtic).
Askou and O’Neill were included despite missing out on the PFA Scotland nominations. In his first season in Scottish football, Askou has taken Motherwell to fourth in the Premiership, with an attractive, expansive style that briefly had the Fir Park side talked about as title contenders. His team have combined solid results with eye-catching performances as they continue to exceed expectations.
O’Neill returned to Celtic twice this season following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. The 74-year-old has steadied the club, guiding them into second place in the league and into the Scottish Cup final, keeping Celtic in the hunt for silverware and another domestic title.
Falkirk boss John McGlynn is recognised for continuing the club’s rise, steering the Bairns into the Premiership top six after achieving back-to-back promotions. McGlynn’s work in building a competitive side at a higher level earned him a place on the shortlist.
Derek McInnes is shortlisted as Hearts close in on a historic league success. The 54-year-old, who was named PFA Scotland Manager of the Year, could lead Hearts to their first top-flight title since 1960 if they see out the run-in with two matches remaining.
Players also feature prominently among SFWA nominees. Hearts forward Claudio Braga, who won the PFA Scotland player of the year, is again up for the SFWA player prize after scoring 17 times in all competitions in his first season in Scotland. He is joined on the shortlist by team-mate Lawrence Shankland, who has 19 goals after signing a new contract at Tynecastle last summer.
Motherwell provide three nominees across categories. Elijah Just has been a revelation on the wing since joining the club, recording seven goals and eight assists in 41 appearances. Team-mate Tawanda Maswanhise has enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 22 times after a much quieter previous campaign.
The SFWA young player shortlist recognises the best performers eligible for Scotland’s under-21s. Nominations include Findlay Curtis, who progressed from Rangers to a loan spell at Kilmarnock and recently scored twice against St Mirren to boost his side’s survival hopes. Dundee defender Luke Graham is nominated after an ever-present season, starting 35 of 36 top-flight matches. Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, 22, has made a late breakthrough after earlier loan spells and university football, hitting 18 goals this season. Dunfermline striker Andrew Tod, 20, is also shortlisted after netting 16 times and helping the Pars reach the Premiership play-off final and secure a Scottish Cup tie with Celtic on May 23.
For the first time, the SFWA awards include two honours recognising Scottish Women’s Premier League players. Nominees for SWPL player of the year include Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson, Celtic’s Maria McAneny, Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson. The SWPL young player shortlist features Glasgow City’s Laura Berry and Lisa Forrest alongside Rangers’ Mia McAulay and Jodi McLeary.
Winners will be announced as part of the SFWA’s end-of-season awards, recognising standout contributions across the SPFL and Scottish women’s game.