William Hill SFWA Manager of the Year award

Derek McInnes has been named the William Hill SFWA Manager of the Year for season 2023/24.

The Kilmarnock boss has enjoyed a terrific campaign at Rugby Park after leading his side to a fourth place finish in the Premiership.

David Watson, the Kilmarnock midfielder, was voted as the DoubleTree by Hilton SFWA Scottish SPFL Young Player of the Year after a vote from members.

And McInnes has ensured another piece of silverware will head to Rugby Park as he prepares to take Killie into European competition next term.

McInnes lifted this award a decade ago during his time with Aberdeen and has now been recognised for a second time after seeing off competition from Philippe Clement, Tony Docherty and John McGlynn.

“I’m thrilled to win the award,” McInnes said. “Any recognition at the end of a season is indicative of good work done at a club. And any manager is happy to pick up awards, that’s human nature.

“So I’m delighted because the writers deal with all the different managers and see a lot of the ins and outs of what happens at clubs. I’m totally appreciative of how tough a job it is for us as managers.

“It’s important to have enthusiasm for your work because it’s so much more difficult if you don’t.

“You get tested by criticism, focus and spotlight now. Everyone’s an expert and it’s different from when I first started in the job.

“There are far more issues and challenges and I have such high regard for my fellow managers.

“So I’m trying to enjoy it. And if the SFWA thinks I deserve this award, I’ll take it all day long. I’m over the moon because I’ve really enjoyed this season."