Duffy: Award nomination is testament to player efforts

Modest Morton boss Jim Duffy says the considerable efforts of his players and staff were vital to him receiving his nomination for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year.

The 58-year-old was today announced as one of the four gaffers to be shortlisted for the prize alongside Premiership trio Brendan Rodgers, Derek McInnes, and Alan Archibald.

Duffy was proud to be considered by his fellow professionals but insisted that he is part of a team and that his playing squad and coaching colleagues should share in the plaudits.

When asked for his reaction to the news, he told gmfc.net: “What can I say? It’s a terrific accolade to be nominated by your fellow managers.

“It’s the same as the player awards: when the other managers appreciate the job you’ve done, it’s always that wee bit sweeter and special, so I’m obviously delighted.

“But when you do well as a manager there are an awful lot of other people who have to contribute whether that’s the rest of the staff or the players.

“That’s the vital thing: if your players work hard all season then managers will get plaudits – and I think that’s the way it has worked out. I know the amount of work the players put in and the amount of work the staff do. It was a terrific effort.

“Personally it’s always nice when appreciate your work, but ultimately you are just part of a hard-working team, and I’d like to express my thanks to the staff and the players. If they don’t work hard, I don’t get the plaudits.”

Image: David Bell