Neil Lennon in running for manager of the year

Neil Lennon is among the nominees for manager of the year. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Lennon guided Celtic to a second consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, while McCall’s Motherwell currently sit in second spot. Butcher could secure European football for Inverness if they can retain third place, while Johnston led Queen of the South to an emphatic Irn-Bru Second Division title success, as well as the Challenge Cup.

Managers from across the four Scottish leagues, as well as national team manager Gordon Strachan, voted for the manager they think has had the best season. The winner will be announced at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Sunday.

PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart said: “Having counted the votes, these are the top four as far as the current managers across the SPL and SFL are concerned. Each manager was asked to vote. This was the closest-run contest we have ever had.

“It speaks volumes about the quality of managers we have in our game in Scotland and in fact, there are a few more managers who I am sure could also lay claim to the title.”

On the same night, PFA Scotland’s player of the year will also be announced, as well as the young player of the year, SFL1, 2 and 3 players of the year, a special merit award and goal of the season award.

Scottish bookmakers, McBookie.com, make it a straight fight between Lennon and Johnston, pricing them up at 11-10 and 6-5 respectively with Bucther and McCall each 7-1. McBookie.com spokesman Paul Petrie said: “Neil Lennon has pitted his wits against the best Europe has to offer, while Allan Johnston has swept aside everyone domestically. It will all come down to what their peers think.”