This year marks a positive departure from the norm as neither of the Old Firm managers will walk away with the PFA Manager of the Year award.
When the shortlist featuring Derek McInnes of Kilmarnock, John McGlynn of Falkirk, and Tony Docherty of Dundee was unveiled, some eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement. But should this really come as a surprise?
Perhaps it does, simply because we have become accustomed to the dominance of the two Glasgow giants in Scottish football. The sport in our country is often seen solely through the lens of Celtic and Rangers, with little acknowledgment given to other teams, players, or managers.
While it’s undeniable that Celtic and Rangers are the top clubs with the most accolades and expansive fan bases, this is precisely why managers who achieve success with smaller clubs should be celebrated more prominently.
The Manager of the Year award should be reserved for someone who has achieved something exceptional, something beyond the ordinary. Is winning with Celtic or Rangers truly considered extraordinary given their historical dominance and significant financial advantage over others?
Both clubs have consistently clinched trophies season after season, highlighting the significant gap in resources between them and the rest of the league. While winning with these clubs is undoubtedly an accomplishment, there are managers across the country achieving remarkable results with limited resources.
The focus on the Old Firm sometimes distorts the broader landscape of Scottish football, as seen with the buzz surrounding Clement who transformed Rangers into title contenders. However, defining success solely by a two-horse race seems unfair, especially when many managers are working wonders with tight budgets.
In the end, the Manager of the Year award should celebrate remarkable achievements beyond titles in predictable scenarios. It should honor managers who have defied expectations and achieved greatness against all odds.
My vote for the Scottish Football Writers’ Manager of the Year goes to Gary Naysmith of Stenhousemuir. Despite being in League Two, Naysmith led the team to their first league title in history, a truly remarkable feat that epitomizes the spirit of the award.
Achievements like an unbeaten season or delivering unprecedented success should be the essence of the Manager of the Year accolade, highlighting exceptional feats that go beyond conventional expectations.
