A FORMER Celtic star has explained why he’s not surprised Brendan Rodgers has been snubbed for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.
The nomination list was revealed today and the Celtic gaffer was nowhere to be seen in the three-man shortlist, along with Rangers rival Philippe Clement.
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It’s the first time neither Old Firm gaffer has been in contention for the gong since the 2018/19 season, when Steve Clarke was appreciated for leading Kilmarnock to third place before taking the Scotland job.
And it could be another Rugby Park boss who comes out on top this year with Derek McInnes nominated alongside Dundee’s Tony Docherty and John McGlynn, who is one game away from guiding Falkirk to an Invincible season.
It’s hard to argue with the three bosses nominated but the omissions of Rodgers and Clement still raised some eyebrows.
Celtic could still win a Double before the end of the season, while a Treble for Clement in his first season in charge is still potentially on the cards.
However, Hoops hero Peter Grant insists it was the right call as he believes the prize isn’t all about winning trophies.
“I’m not surprised, no,” said Grant as he gave his verdict on the shortlist while speaking on Go Radio.
“This run they’re on has been phenomenal when you think of the difficulties they’ve been through, especially with home games.
“There’s games that they’ve lost and dropped points in and that consistency hasn’t been there.
“There have been a lot of changes with injuries but you’ve still got to manage that. Rangers is similar. Brendan could win a Double and Clement could win a Treble.
“But I go down to England and I’ve got a vote through being in the LMA (League Managers Association) and I would go for Unai Emery.
“There’s a possibility he won’t win anything, but I think what he’s done with Aston Villa has been phenomenal.
“I’m delighted because the criticism he got from the English press just because of the way he spoke.
“Nobody looked at his tactical nous, the performances of his team or the trophies that he’s won. He’s done it with every team he’s been at. So there are different reasons why you could give it.”
Meanwhile, Partick Thistle veteran Brian Graham made history this week by becoming the first ever to be nominated for player and manager of the season.
The 36-year-old’s stunning tally of 20 goals in the Scottish Championship has unsurprisingly earned him a nomination for the league’s POTY award, along with Dundee United star Louis Moult, Queen‘s Park’s Ruari Paton and Raith Rovers’ Lewis Vaughan.
But the Jags star man has also been appreciated for his work with the club’s women‘s team, where he has been the gaffer since 2020.
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Alongside his duties on the pitch, he led the side to the Sky Sports Cup final where they faced SWPL1 rivals Rangers in front of a record crowd at Hearts’ Tynecastle Stadium.
The Jags lost 4-1 in the end but he is still being recognised for their campaign, after also finishing top-six in the top-flight.
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