Linfield boss David Healy has been named as the Aktivora Manager of the Year in the NI Football Awards.

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer has guided the Blues to a famous league and cup double, with success in both the Danske Bank Premiership and the Peaky Blinder Irish Cup.

This year’s Premiership success means Healy’s Linfield have secured a record-equalling 55th league title and their third Gibson Cup in a row.

Healy said: “I would like to thank NIFL, the Football Writers’ Association and this award’s sponsors Aktivora.

“However, I don’t see this as a personal award. Winning this award means Linfield were club of the year, because a manager can’t win the award without a great group of players and a fantastic backroom staff.

“This season – with the protocols and testing regimes – it’s more important than ever to have a strong backroom staff. Our success this season would not be possible without their hard work.

“For me, we’re the best team. Some people see Linfield are a team who know how to dig it out, which is true, but we’ve also some fantastic talent at this club. We are deserved champions.”

This year’s NI Football Awards were voted for by the members of the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association and the Danske Bank Premiership managers. It’s the third time David Healy has won the prestigious manager of the year prize