The League Managers Association is pleased to confirm Liverpool Manager Arne Slot as the recipient of The Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year.
The coveted award, voted for by the full LMA membership, was announced at the 33rd Annual Awards Ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Tuesday evening.
Slot was also honoured as the Premier League Manager of the Year sponsored by Barclays following a panel vote after leading Liverpool to their first Premier League title in five years in his first season in charge, becoming just the fifth manager in league history to do so.
LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan OBE said: “On behalf of the LMA, our committee, our members and the entire football community, our sincere sympathies go to all those involved in, and affected by, Monday's shocking incident in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people injured and we wish them a speedy recovery. To the club, the fans and the whole of the city, we support you.
“The LMA’s members recognised the incredible role Liverpool manager Arne Slot has played in leading his team to the Premier League title in a fantastic debut season in English football and he will be presented The Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year and the Premier League Manager of the Year award at a more appropriate time.”
Other awards presented on the night included, Daniel Farke, who won Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Year after Leeds United secured promotion back to the Premier League, whilst Birmingham City Manager Chris Davies collected the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Year following his title-winning debut season as a manager. Grant McCann of Doncaster Rovers picked up the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Year award after assuring third tier football next season.
Portsmouth Women manager Jay Sadler was recognised as the Barclays Women’s Championship Manager of the Year after a promising maiden campaign in the division. The Barclays Women's Super League Manager of the Year went to Sonia Bompastor after leading Chelsea Women to the WSL title.
Bompastor was also joined by Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Eddie Howe (Newcastle United), Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Hotspur) and Renée Slegers (Arsenal Women) in receiving the LMA John Duncan Award.
In awarding the John Duncan Awards, the LMA recognises individuals who have achieved notable and historic successes for their clubs. Bompastor was acknowledged for achieving the domestic treble with Chelsea Women in her first season at the helm, Howe for victory in the Carabao League Cup and Newcastle's first major trophy in 70 years, and Glasner for leading Palace to their first ever major trophy and venture into European football by winning the Emirates FA Cup.
Postecoglou was recognised for triumph in the UEFA Europa League earlier this month, whilst Slegers oversaw Arsenal Women’s success in winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The evening also provided the opportunity to induct LMA Members Ian Holloway, Jürgen Klopp, Mick McCarthy, José Mourinho and David Moyes OBE into the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club, honouring the remarkable achievement of managing 1000 competitive matches throughout their incredible careers.
Amassing 46 domestic and European trophies between them, all were in attendance to add their names to the long list of iconic managers, all of whom have left their individual legacies on the professional game.
LMA Chair Martin O’Neill OBE said: “I extend my congratulations to Arne Slot on winning the LMA Manager of the Year following a memorable first season at Liverpool.
“It takes a visionary with incredible determination to take over and win titles at one of the most illustrious clubs in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of a fellow award winner in Jürgen Klopp.
“To be recognised by his peers and receive The Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy in his first season is an incredible honour and a true reflection of his achievements.”
LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan OBE added: “Members also recognised the significant successes of Daniel Farke, Chris Davies, Grant McCann, Sonia Bompastor and Jay Sadler, all of whom highlighted their unique managerial qualities across a highly entertaining season.
“It was also pleasure to award this season’s LMA John Duncan Awards to Sonia, Eddie Howe, Oliver Glasner, Ange Postecoglou and Renée Slegers. All five worthy recipients have now undoubtedly cemented their names in the rich and illustrious histories of their respective clubs.
“The association was also proud to induct Ian Holloway, Jürgen Klopp, Mick McCarthy, José Mourinho and David Moyes OBE in to the esteemed LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club. They now join an elite group of pioneering names who have all demonstrated the resilience, commitment and sacrifice required to be a modern day manager.
“The LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club is a celebration of success and longevity in the game, and on behalf of everyone at the LMA I congratulate all inductees on reaching this outstanding milestone and thank them all for their extraordinary service to our sport.
“Finally, I wish to thank our awards partners Premier League, Sky Sports, Guinness, Nike, Barclays, Sky Bet, Utilita and Mappin & Webb for their continued support.”
