PFA Scotland MOTY credits Brendan Rodgers for his development

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·7 maggio 2025

PFA Scotland MOTY credits Brendan Rodgers for his development

Former Celtic opposition analyst John McGlynn has praised Brendan Rodgers for his own development as a manager…

PFA Scotland Manager of the Year John McGlynn. Photo PFA Scotland

Prior to being appointed as Falkirk boss three years ago, McGlynn was no stranger to recognition, having first earned the title of Scotland’s Manager of the Year in 2011 during his initial spell at the helm of Raith Rovers.

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However, it was the two years McGlynn spent behind the scenes with Rodgers at Lennoxtown that sharpened his tactical edge – preparing him for a triumphant return to Kirkcaldy and setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Falkirk, where he has transformed the club into a top-flight club once again.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn during the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

At 63, he’s achieved back-to-back promotions with the Bairns and consecutive manager of the year accolades – becoming the first gaffer ever to claim the award three times.

McGlynn is well aware of the irony of beating Brendan Rodgers to the award and even more mindful of the invaluable lessons he absorbed while working within the Irishman’s relentless winning setup at the Scottish champions.

“I learned a lot at Celtic,” McGlynn said, as reported by Daily Record. “Initially for the first 18 months I was working in recruitment with John Park and the recruitment group. Ronny Deila and John Collins were the manager and assistant manager. They were good to work with. Then Brendan came in.”

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Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic players post-match. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Their paths first crossed in 2012, when McGlynn took his Hearts side to Anfield for a memorable Europa League showdown against Rodgers’ Liverpool. The English ultimately edged the tie, but it took a late strike from Luis Suárez – just three minutes from the end of the second leg – to seal Liverpool’s passage to the group stage.

McGlynn added: “There was a little bit of connection because of the Hearts and Liverpool tie. And he wanted me to look at the opposition which was an amazing job.”

“To learn from him – but not only to learn from him – I was watching domestic and European opposition, so I’m watching Man City, Barcelona, PSG – I’m watching the whole lot. And on a daily basis, I’m watching the Celtic players training.

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John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk FC acknowledges the fans after the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I was never on the training pitch. Never ever. It was an office job. But I could look and see what they were doing. I was in meetings with Brendan, I understand what he looks for. And I see the way the team can play.

“You would’ve been stupid not to learn. I learned so much, and I’ve managed to put that into the teams I’ve worked with since. I know that at Raith Rovers, people were loving what they were watching.

The first ever manager to win this award three times, John McGlynn is named PFA Scotland SPFL Manager of the Year after successive titles with @FalkirkFC. John gives his reaction on a historic evening… 🏆🏆🏆
– domenica 4 maggio 2025

“We were a little bit unlucky, we won Challenge Cups, we were very close, we did a really good job, but they dilly-dallied around a new contract. Falkirk came to us – seemed enthusiastic for us – and the rest is history.”

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John McGlynn. Celtic v Raith Rovers – Photo: Andrew Milligan

Well done to John McGlynn on his Manager of the Year award and no-one will be more pleased for him that Brendan Rodgers who narrowly missed out as he awaits the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen on 24 May where the Celtic manager is looking to maintain his 100% winning record at the National stadium and in doing so complete another Treble.

Conor Spence

Flag bearers line the touchline ahead of kick off during the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. theRangers FC vs Celtic FC. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 13/04/2025. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

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