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The League Managers Association is delighted to announce Coventry City Head Coach Frank Lampard OBE as the winner of The Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year presented by Vitality. The coveted award, voted for by the full LMA membership, was announced at the 34th Annual Awards Ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Tuesday evening.
The seven other managers in contention were; Keith Andrews (Brentford), Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Pep Guardiola (Man City), Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth), Michael Skubala (Lincoln City) and Andy Woodman (Bromley).
The Premier League Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Barclays was won by Mikel Arteta, who successfully guided Arsenal to their first league title since 2004 and first UEFA Champions League Final appearance in 20 years.
Andrée Jeglertz of Manchester City Women won the Barclays Women's Super League Manager of the Year Award after a remarkable debut campaign, which included winning the Barclays WSL title and reaching the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final. Karen Hills capped a brilliant season in charge of Charlton Athletic Women by winning the Barclays Women's Super League 2 Manager of the Year following promotion to the WSL.
Frank Lampard was also crowned as the Sky Bet EFL Championship Manager of the Year, following an outstanding season in which he galvanised the city of Coventry on the way to leading the Sky Blues back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
Michael Skubala, who achieved an incredible 103-point season with Lincoln City, won Sky Bet League One Manager of the Year, whilst Bromley Manager Andy Woodman collected the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Year following their historic title win, highest ever league finish and second promotion in just three seasons.
The evening also provided the opportunity to induct LMA Members Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill OBE into the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club, celebrating the remarkable achievement of managing 1,000 competitive matches throughout their storied and iconic careers.
Lionesses Manager Sarina Wiegman DBE received the John Duncan Special Achievement Award in recognition of her incredible back-to-back European Championship wins with England and third overall. Alongside this, the award also celebrates Sarina’s significant and ongoing contribution to the development and advancement of the women’s game.
Graeme Souness CBE also received a John Duncan Special Achievement Award for his incredible work to build funds and raise awareness for DEBRA UK. The John Duncan Services to Football Award was received by Eileen Gunn for over four decades of service and support to Bradford City and the game of football.
LMA Committee Member Sir Alex Ferguson CBE said: "Many congratulations, Frank, on being named LMA Manager of the Year. You should be very proud of what you and your team have accomplished.
"Your personality as a manager and a leader is so clearly defined in how your team has played great football this season, with confidence and self-belief, and I’ve enjoyed watching them. I know from speaking with you that you have great humility and, that important quality of a curious mind for learning.
"I’m sure winning this award will mean a great deal to you Frank and I wish you the best of luck in the Premier League next season."
LMA Chair Martin O'Neill OBE added: “Sincere congratulations to Frank Lampard on a truly outstanding achievement in winning the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year following an exceptional season.
“His leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment have set the standard throughout the campaign, and the success he has delivered at Coventry City is a testament to both his vision and his ability to inspire those around him.
“To be recognised by his fellow managers and presented with this accolade is a richly deserved honour, reflecting the significant impact he has made at the club.”
LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan OBE said: “On behalf of the LMA, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, whose dedication, resilience and professionalism continues to shine bright. To be recognised by your peers, those who truly understand the demands and challenges of football management, is a very special honour.
“This season has provided countless examples of outstanding achievements, and special congratulations must go to Frank Lampard OBE, the winner of the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year presented by Vitality, and Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Year.
“The significant achievements of Mikel Arteta, Andrée Jeglertz, Karen Hills, Michael Skubala and Andy Woodman were all recognised for demonstrating their unique qualities as outstanding managers.
"It was also a privilege to present the LMA John Duncan Special Achievement Awards to Graeme Souness CBE and Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman DBE, and it was special to see Bradford City’s Eileen Gunn receive the John Duncan Service to Football Award in recognition of 40 years of commitment to the club.
“The evening also provided an opportunity to induct legendary managerial figures Steve Bruce and LMA Chair Martin O’Neill OBE into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club. Congratulations to both for their lasting contribution to our game and the profession of football management.
"Finally, I wish to thank our awards partners Vitality, the Premier League, Sky Sports, Nike, Everest, Guinness, Barclays, Sky Bet and Mappin & Webb for their ongoing support throughout.”
