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Hearts boss Robbie Neilson on four-strong shortlist for PFA Scotland Manger of the Year award

Robbie Neilson: Hearts boss has won promotion in his first season
Image: Robbie Neilson: Hearts boss has won promotion in his first season

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson is among four candidates on the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.

The former Jambos full-back is joined in the line-up by Celtic's Ronny Delia, John Hughes of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes. 

Neilson has also enjoyed his first season in charge at Tynecastle, leading the club back to the Scottish Premiership at the first opportunity and clinching the Championship title in record time before Easter.

His team’s consistency in the league campaign has been hugely impressive while progress in both domestic cups was only ended at the hands of Celtic.

For me it’s important to share these things with my staff and the players because I couldn’t have done this without them.
Ronny Deila on his nomination

Deila admitted it was a 'big honour' to be included on the list after arriving in Glasgow last June as a replacement for previous boss Neil Lennon who called time after delivering a third successive league title to Celtic Park. 

Following a tentative opening few months in the job, in which the team struggled both domestically and at European level, Deila’s side clicked into form and progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League, reached the Scottish Cup semi-final, won the League Cup and require just four points to retain the Scottish Premiership crown.

“It’s a big honour, of course, and the nomination is recognition that I’ve done something well. But for me it’s important to share these things with my staff and the players because I couldn’t have done this without them.

“We have done well this year and we just have to finish it off as that’s the main thing but, of course, I’m happy to be nominated.”

Former Hibernain and Falkirk boss Hughes is in line to lead Caley Thistle to the club’s most successful season in their short 21-year history.

The Highlanders reached their first Scottish Cup final after beating Celtic in the semi-final two weeks ago, and are on course to secure third place in the top flight, their highest-ever finish.

McInnes claimed the award last season after ending Aberdeen’s 19-year trophy drought by leading the team to success in the League Cup.

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While there has been no silverware this season, although the club can still mathematically come out on top in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, Aberdeen’s consistency in the league has led to their highest points total in 21 years and a second place finish... at least.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, who unveiled the shortlist, would not be drawn on his preference for the award, insisting all four were 'there on merit'.

"John is fantastic," said the former Celtic boss. "He has always got a smile on his face, well nearly always. He lights up the TV when he comes on with his love of the game.

"Other managers have to be more wary in front of the TV cameras but John comes over great. His natural love of the game comes over.

"Ronny has done the job that he was asked to do by the club, to win the league and win trophies. He has done that.

"Robbie Neilson has done fantastic. The new owner, Ann Budge, Craig Levein and Robbie Neilson have given Hearts a real shake and said this is the way they are doing this.

"And I keep saying in football, the harder you work the more success you are likely to get. You might take a couple of knocks now and again but they should be really pleased with their performance.

"Derek has given us, until recently, a challenge. He has given Celtic a challenge. I'm sure he would like to be closer but I'm sure they will look at the end of the season and say 'we gave it a right good shot'.

John Hughes is fantastic. He has always has a smile on his face and he lights up the TV when he comes on with his love of the game.
Gordon Strachan on John Hughes

"I think everyone in Aberdeen can be pleased with their performance, they were near to their maximum all the time and that's all you can ask. They were terrific.

"There are another couple there who I thought might have been on it as well. James Fowler at Queen of the South and Jim McIntyre at Ross County have been fantastic.

"But every manager sets out with targets and a lot of people set out what they want to achieve, and other guys set out to make their team and their players better, and that goes unrecognised at times." 

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