So, who will take home some decidedly less prestigious accolades in the form of the Full Scottish Awards for 2021-22? Read on.
By Brian P. Dunleavy
Rangers put a formal end to the 2021-22 season in Scottish football on Sunday with a final win at Hampden.
By setting aside Hearts, ’Gers were able to capture a nice “consolation prize” in the form of the Scottish Cup. To be fair, they deserved at least that. After leading the Prem for much of the season—remaining close once Celtic overtook them—and making the final of the Europa League, only to lose on penalties, to finish the season empty-handed would have been unjust.
Player of the Year: Callum McGregor, Celtic.
The best player on the best team. Full stop.
Manager of the Year: Ange Postecoglou, Celtic.
We considered Ross County’s Malky Mackay (seriously) but doing the job at Parkhead in Year One comes with its own unique challenges. The man from Down Under delivered.
Team of the Season: Celtic and Rangers (tie).
No, we’re not being politically correct. This is a tough one, to be fair. Postecoglou and the Hoops surprised many with their quick turnaround job, and the Premiership table doesn’t lie. However, making it to a European final—albeit the lower-status one—with the financial constraints in Scotland is remarkable. We doubt we—or ’Gers supporters will be as forgiving toward Giovanni van Bronckhorst next term.
Comeback Player of the Year: Craig Gordon, Hearts.
The ’keeper keeps doing this. Just when punters and pundits alike write him off, he comes back in from the cold. Cast out at Celtic, Gordon does it again, back where it all began, this time in the top flight, while helping his side to a cup final, to boot.
Story of the Season: Tumult at Hibs.
Seriously, what’s going on in Leith? Jack Ross out. Shaun Maloney, we hardly knew ye. Hell, Roy Keane was even (reportedly) in the frame before the club went with another Sunderland reject in Lee Johnson. What’s that quote about history and repeating?
Two other stories also made out shortlist here: Aberdeen’s rapid decline and the fall of Leigh Griffiths. There are no quotes about what happens after you fail at Falkirk, but there should be.
Young Player of the Year: Ross Tierney, Motherwell.
The young Irishman arrived in January and quickly cemented himself in the starting XI at Fir Park. He seems poised for bigger and better. Until next season… We can’t wait.