Moyes is the youngest manager in the English top flight but despite his lack of experience in management, he guided the Goodison Park side to seventh in the Premiership, narrowly missing out on a UEFA Cup place.

The club have only finished higher on two occasions since the beginning of the Premiership in 1992 but Moyes was still not expecting to receive the accolade from his peers.

“I’m delighted and surprised to win the award,” he said. “The disappointment we have suffered (at not making the UEFA Cup) is immeasurable.

“Football is about taking opportunities when they come and we had a great opportunity this season. But when things die down, then hopefully we will realise what a good season it has been.”

Ferguson was honoured after winning his eighth league title in 11 seasons.

The First Division manager of the year award was won by Harry Redknapp, who guided Portsmouth to the title in his first full season at Fratton Park.

Wigan’s Paul Jewell won the Division Two award after Wigan secured 100 points and lost just four games on their way to the championship.

And the Third Division award went to Wrexham’s Denis Smith, whose side won their final eight games of the campaign to secure automatic promotion.