The award is voted for by the members of the Scottish Football Writers' Association.

The award was first given in 1987, and was won by Dundee United boss Jim McLean.

The award has been won by a manager in the top division of the Scottish football league system in all but two years, 1990, when the award went to Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh and 1995 when the award was given to Jimmy Nicholl who managed Raith Rovers in the First Division.

As of 2024, the award has been presented 38 times and won by 24 different managers.

Walter Smith (7), Neil Lennon (3), Martin O'Neill (2), Dick Advocaat (2), Steve Clarke (2), Derek McInnes (2) and Ange Postecoglou (2) have won the award more than once.