Heart of Midlothian's Derek McInnes Tipped for Top Manager Award
Heart of Midlothian manager Derek McInnes is a top contender for Manager of the Year. Falkirk boss John McGlynn backs McInnes as his preferred choice, highlighting his excellent work.
Heart of Midlothian manager Derek McInnes has been strongly endorsed for the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland Manager of the Year award by Falkirk boss John McGlynn. McGlynn, himself a nominee for the third consecutive season, believes McInnes is the standout candidate among the shortlisted managers, which also includes Stenhousemuir's Gary Naysmith.
John McGlynn expressed his gratitude for his own nomination, calling it a 'privilege and an honour' to be recognised by fellow managers. He emphasised that the nomination reflects the collective effort of the entire club, from the players performing on the pitch to the dedicated backroom staff. McGlynn's success with Falkirk, achieving successive promotions and guiding the Bairns into the Premiership's top six, earned him this recognition.
Despite his own impressive achievements, McGlynn firmly believes that Heart of Midlothian's Derek McInnes is the most deserving recipient of the prestigious award. McGlynn stated, 'to be there for so long, for me, it has to be Derek McInnes,' highlighting the sustained impact and excellent work McInnes has delivered at Tynecastle.
McGlynn also voiced his surprise regarding the omission of Motherwell manager Jens Bertel Askou from the shortlist. He lauded Motherwell's performance as 'outstanding' and praised Askou for his 'great job' in turning the team around in a very short period. When casting his two votes for the award, McGlynn revealed he selected both Derek McInnes and Jens Bertel Askou, jokingly adding he'd 'be kicking myself' if he lost by one vote.
Reflecting on Falkirk's journey, McGlynn noted that his team has been a 'breath of fresh air' in the Premiership, bringing a new dynamic, similar to their impact in the Championship after promotion from League One. This consistent performance across leagues underscores the quality of work being done under his leadership.
The Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland Manager of the Year award continues to spark debate among football figures. While John McGlynn is a strong contender, his public endorsement of Heart of Midlothian's Derek McInnes underscores the significant impact McInnes has made, positioning him as a leading candidate for this esteemed recognition.