Steven Schumacher Wins LMA Award

Argyle manager Steven Schumacher was named as the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Year at the LMA Awards on Tuesday night.

The LMA – League Managers’ Association – vote each year for the outstanding manager in each division, and after Argyle won League One with 101 points to clinch a return to the Championship, Schumacher picked up another award to add to his collection.

The LMA awards are voted for by all managers in their respective divisions. The whole LMA membership also vote for an overall winner, for the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy, which was won by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who also scooped the Premier League award.

Schumacher was included in the top six of the voting for this award, with the other contenders named as Mikel Arteta of Arsenal; Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi; Eddie Howe of Newcastle United; and Burnley’s Vincent Kompany.

Schumacher said: “I’m delighted to be named as League One Manager of the Year, especially as it is voted for by the managers themselves. To be honoured by your peers is always a good feeling. There were some very talented coaches doing excellent jobs in League One last season, and I’m grateful to be recognised.

"It was also a huge honour to be nominated for the Sir Alex Ferguson award alongside some of the best coaches and managers in the world. 

“Of course, everything we have achieved this season has been a huge team effort, so I accept the award on behalf of everyone at Argyle: that includes the players, my support staff, the club staff and the club management.”

Kompany was given the Sky Bet Championship award, with Richie Wellens of Leyton Orient named top boss for League Two. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes won the Women’s Super League award, with Bristol City boss Lauren Smith winning for the Championship.

The inaugural John Duncan award, named for the former Ipswich Town and Chesterfield manager, who died last year, was give to former Manchester United player and Stoke manager Lou Macari in recognition for his many years of selfless charity work.