When things die down, we will hopefully realise what a good season it has been Everton manager David Moyes

The Premiership's youngest manager picked up the prestigious award from the League Managers Association on Monday.

The 40-year-old Scot steered Everton to seventh place in the Premiership in his first full season in the top flight.

The Toffees just missed out on Uefa Cup qualification, though seventh place still marked an improvement of eight Premiership positions.

Moyes, who took over from Walter Smith in March 2002, admitted he did not expect the award because he was frustrated at Everton's failure to qualify for Europe.

MANAGERS OF THE YEAR Premier Division: David Moyes, Everton Division One: Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth Division Two: Paul Jewell, Wigan Division Three: Denis Smith, Wrexham

"I'm delighted and surprised to win the award," he said.

"The disappointment we have suffered 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."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson won the Barclaycard Premiership manager of the year award which was decided by a panel including representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Ferguson, who led his side to an eighth Premiership title in 11 seasons, has also been named Premiership manager of the decade in an online poll on the Premier League's official website.

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.

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Wigan's Paul Jewell won the Division 2 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.