BRENDAN RODGERS has been snubbed in the Manager of the Year nominations.
The Celtic gaffer is five games away from a league and Cup double in his second coming at Parkhead, but he has still been overlooked by his peers in the shortlist for top boss.
Instead, Kilmarnock’s Derek McInnes, Dundee’s Tony Docherty and Falkirk’s John McGlynn are battling for the award after the announcement from the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland.
Rodgers missed out on an eighth successive trophy as Hoops chief when the holders lost 1-0 at Rugby Park in only his third competitive game since returning to take over from Spurs-bound Ange Postecoglou in June last year.
SPEECHLESS…Brendan Rodgers in pensive mode.
In his previous stint after replacing Ronny Deila in the summer of 2016, the Northern Irishman had won two Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
The champions have a three-point advantage as they go into their remaining four league matches with Hearts up first at Parkhead on Saturday, Rangers seven days later at the same venue, a midweek game at Killie with the curtain coming down on May 18 when St Mirren are the visitors.
Then Rodgers and his players will turn their attention to the Scottish Cup Final against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side at Hampden on the iconic date of May 25.
Billy Brown, chairman of the Managers and Coaches Association, said in a report in the Scottish Sun: “I’d like to congratulate all the managers and coaches who’ve been nominated – they’re all extremely worthy candidates and I’m delighted to see them achieve such success this year.
“All three SPFL managers deserve great credit for the jobs they’ve done with the resources at their disposal.
“Derek won the award a decade ago and seems to be reinvigorated at Kilmarnock, he’s had a terrific season.
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE…Brendan Rodgers remains focused on the league and Cup double.
“I’ve known John for a long time, firstly as a coach at Musselburgh Windsor before Jim Jefferies and I took him to Hearts all those years ago!
“I’m really chuffed at what he’s done with Falkirk, it’s amazing to go through nearly an entire season unbeaten.
“For Tony in his first job as a manager to get Dundee into the top six, he should be really proud.
“I watched them several times in person this season and they’ve been great to watch. I couldn’t argue with whoever wins the award.”
The winners will be announced at the 2024 PFA Scotland Awards dinner at the Glasgow Hilton on Sunday.
