Derek McInnes, John McGlynn of Falkirk and Gary Naysmith of Stenhousemuir have joined the SPFL manager‑of‑the‑year shortlist, announced alongside the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland. McInnes steered Hearts to within three points of a first Premiership crown since 1966, the Jambos sitting atop the table after an unbeaten run at Tynecastle. Their form has revived fan optimism and forced rivals into a relentless chase.

McGlynn, already a two‑time winner, eyes a record third consecutive award after guiding Falkirk to a top‑six finish in their return season, following back‑to‑back promotions. Those promotions came in successive seasons, underscoring McGlynn’s rapid impact. Meanwhile Naysmith has kept Stenhousemuir unbeaten at home in League One, while his Warriors sit two points behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle with one game left, aiming for promotion to the Championship.

The shortlist also features Hearts’ Eva Olid and Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross for the SWPL prize, as the women's title race tightens. Partick Thistle’s Gary Holt joins the list after steering the Jags to a top‑six finish. Their inclusion reflects a growing parity between the men’s and women’s games in Scotland. With the season winding down, the nominations spotlight the clubs that have punched above expectations this campaign.