Hearts boss Derek McInnes discovers PFA Scotland Manager of Year rivals - with one notable omission

McInnes was a shoo-in to be included among the nominees in recognition of his achievement in keeping Hearts at the top of the Premiership table against the odds for the majority of the campaign.

Hearts finished in the bottom six last season but McInnes, who took charge in the summer, has led them to the brink of a remarkable first league title since 1960. His side lead second-placed Celtic by three points with four matches remaining while Rangers, four points behind Hearts in third, visit Tynecastle Park in a crunch match on Monday.

McInnes, who won the award in 2013-14 while in charge of Aberdeen, has been nominated alongside Falkirk’s John McGlynn and Stenhousemuir’s Gary Naysmith.

McGlynn, the winner in each of the two previous seasons, is in the running again after leading Falkirk into the top six in their first season back in the top flight following a 15-year absence.

Former Hearts, Everton and Scotland player Naysmith has led Stenhousemuir to second place in League One following their promotion from League Two last season.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou had been widely expected to feature prominently in the shake-up but has been overlooked despite overseeing a stunning campaign.

The Steelmen are fourth in the Premiership and were briefly viewed as possible title contenders as they illuminated the league with their expansive and effective football under the Dane, who took charge at Fir Park last summer.

Eva Olid of Hearts, Partick Thistle boss Gary Holt and Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross are in the running for the Scottish Women’s Premier League Manager of the Year award.

The winners will be announced at PFA Scotland’s awards dinner in Glasgow on Sunday night.

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