Jens Berthel Askou and Martin O'Neill are nominated for the SFWA Manager of the Year award, alongside John McGlynn and Derek McInnes. Askou has led Motherwell to fourth in the Scottish Premiership in his first season.
Key points
Jens Berthel Askou nominated for SFWA Manager of the Year
Martin O'Neill also nominated for the award
John McGlynn and Derek McInnes are the other nominees
Askou led Motherwell to fourth in the Scottish Premiership
Jens Berthel Askou and Martin O'Neill are nominated for the Scottish Football Writers Association Manager of the Year award after missing out on the PFA Scotland shortlist.
The Motherwell and Celtic managers are up against Falkirk's John McGlynn and Hearts boss Derek McInnes for the end-of-season prize.
In his first season in Scottish football, Askou has guided the Fir Park side to fourth in the Scottish Premiership and they were briefly viewed as possible title contenders as they entertained with their expansive and effective football.
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hearts
Lawrence Shankland earned Hearts a 1-1 draw at Motherwell after cancelling out Stephen Kingsley’s own goal as the Jambos missed the chance to move six points clear of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
O'Neill is also in contention after returning to the Hoops twice this season, following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.
The 74-year-old has guided the Hoops to second in the top-flight, in contention for their 15th title in the last 16 seasons, and into the final of the Scottish Cup.
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Q&A
Who are the nominees for the SFWA Manager of the Year award?
The nominees are Jens Berthel Askou, Martin O'Neill, John McGlynn, and Derek McInnes.
What achievements did Jens Berthel Askou accomplish this season?
Askou guided Motherwell to fourth place in the Scottish Premiership and was considered a title contender.
Which managers missed out on the PFA Scotland shortlist?
Jens Berthel Askou and Martin O'Neill missed out on the PFA Scotland shortlist.
What teams do the nominated managers represent in the SFWA award?
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Football
Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers.
McGlynn is nominated after continuing to take Falkirk to new levels, guiding the Bairns to a top-six finish in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions.
It could be an awards double for McInnes as Hearts edge closer to an historic league title with just two games left to play.
The 54-year-old, who won manager of the year at the PFA Scotland awards, could lead the Jambos to their first top-flight title since 1960.
Another award for Braga?
SFWA player nominees
Hearts striker Claudio Braga could add to his PFA Scotland player of the year prize after continuing to impress in his first season in Scottish football.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, is once again up against team-mate Lawrence Shankland for the award.
He has scored 19 times after agreeing a new deal at Tynecastle Park last summer.
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 11: Hearts' Claudio Braga (R) celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 with teammate Lawrence Shankland during a William Hill Premiership match between Dundee and Heart of Midlothian at Dens Park, on January 11, 2026, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
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Claudio Braga (R) and Lawrence Shankland have scored 36 goals for Hearts this season
Motherwell duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise make up the shortlist after an impressive season for the Fir Park side.
New Zealand winger Just has been a revelation since joining Motherwell, registering seven goals and eight assists in his 41 appearances for the Steelmen.
Striker Maswanhise, who joined the Fir Park club in 2024, has 22 goals so far as he continues to thrive under new Well manager Jens Berthel Askou after he netted just six times last season.
Who could win the Young Player of the Year award?
SFWA young player nominees
The SFWA young player award recognises the best perfoming individual across the SPFL who is eligible for the Scotland Under-21 national team.
Findlay Curtis is on the shortlist after impressing at Rangers, then on loan at Kilmarnock.
The 19-year-old scored twice against St Mirren on Saturday as he helped boost the club's survival hopes.
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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Kilmarnock.
Defender Luke Graham has had a standout season with Dundee, consistently providing a strong presence at the back, starting 35 of their 36 top-flight matches.
Barney Stewart made his breakthrough at Falkirk after spending the first five months of the season on loan at Dunfermline.
The 22-year-old, who was playing university football just two years ago, has scored 18 goals this season so far.
Andrew Tod scored in Dunfermline's penalty shoot-out win vs Falkirk to reach the Scottish Cup final
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Andrew Tod scored in Dunfermline's penalty shoot-out win vs Falkirk to reach the Scottish Cup final
Striker Andrew Tod has impressed for Dunfermline as they secured a place in the Premiership play-off final and a Scottish Cup showdown with Celtic on May 23.
The 20-year-old has netted 16 times in 40 appearances for the Pars this season.
