Sunday 29 May 2016 12:54, UK
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright has won the Ladbrokes Premiership Manager of the Season award for 2015-16.
The Northern Irishman was recognised after guiding the Perth club to a second successive top-four finish for the first time in their history as well as the semi-finals of the League Cup.
His side have been impressive again this year, picking up big wins throughout the campaign, including a 5-1 victory at Pittodrie over Aberdeen, a League Cup triumph over Rangers at Ibrox and a 2-1 win against Celtic towards the end of the season.
Wright joined St Johnstone as assistant manager to Steve Lomas in 2011 before taking over the top job in 2013.
As well as securing back-to-back top-four finishes, Wright guided the club to their first ever Scottish Cup triumph in 2014 when they beat Dundee United 2-0.
"I was surprised when Paul [Smith] contacted me to tell me I'd won the award. But I was delighted to hear I'd won it," Wright told the club's official website.
"But even though it's me that receives the award, it's also recognition for the great work carried out by Callum [Davidson], Alec [Cleland], Paul Smith and all my staff for what we've achieved together over the season.
"The players have been terrific this season and it's their performances that have led to this award. So, I would like to thank them for all their help this season.
"It's nice to get that sort of recognition from people out with the football club. The chairman and the board are supportive of me, as are the supporters, so to get the backing of an outside party shows that the football club is progressing."
Despite just picking up this accolade, Wright is already looking ahead and expects the Scottish top flight to be even more competitive in the next campaign.
"Next season is going to be a big one for everyone because with Rangers getting promoted, the league will be even stronger. But I know we'll be ready for the challenge.
"Over the last few years we've established ourselves as a top six side, but we can't get complacent and know we have to earn the right to be considered to be among the best teams in the country."
