Manager of the Year Award

CELTIC boss Ange Postecoglou leads the shortlist for the SFWA Manager of the Year prize.

The 57-year-old stands on the brink of a domestic Treble this season after guiding his side to the Viaplay Cup and a second successive Premiership title.

A Scottish Cup final meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle now awaits for the champions as Postecoglou seeks to write his name in Celtic folklore by securing all three domestic honours this term.

The Parkhead boss was chosen by SFWA members as their Manager of the Year last season and he is joined by fellow Premiership gaffers Barry Robson and Stephen Robinson on the four-man shortlist as James McPake also bids for the silverware.

The former Dundee boss guided Dunfermline to the League One title during his first campaign in charge at East End Park as the Pars secured their return to the Championship.

McPake’s side lost just one league fixture along the way as they finished 14 points clear of Falkirk and the 38-year-old has now been recognised for his achievements in the dugout.

The other two bosses in the running - Robson and Robinson - have enjoyed terrific campaigns in very different circumstances with Aberdeen and St Mirren respectively.

Robson was named as interim manager at Pittodrie in January and guided the Reds to a lengthy unbeaten run as he quickly made a name for himself on the touchline.

That fine form saw the former Scotland midfielder rewarded with a two-year contract and he is now aiming to lead Aberdeen into European competition next term after storming into the top six.

St Mirren also achieved that ambition in the Premiership as the Buddies secured a place in the top half of the standings for the first time since the introduction of the split.

Robinson returned to Scottish football last February and has guided his side to their highest league finish since season 1984/85 during a memorable campaign in Paisley.

The winner of the William Hill Manager of the Year prize will receive their trophy at the SFWA dinner on Sunday, May 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.