Oran Kearney says he will never know if Coleraine could have overhauled Linfield last season.
The Bannsiders were just four points behind the Blues when the Covid-hit campaign was curtailed.
The 2019/20 season ended with seven games remaining, with Coleraine still having to play Linfield after the split.
In the end, a mathematical model declared David Healy's Blues champions for a 54th time, while Coleraine finished second and also won the League Cup.
“The position we were in and the momentum we had we had big hopes of trying to go and push, but we will never know the answer to that,” said Kearney, who has been named NI Football Awards Manager of the Year for 2019/20.
“I was shocked probably more than anything else to get this award, but very proud as well.
“I remember starring out as a young manager and then moving to Coleraine and going to the awards dinner every year. It was lovely as a player to get into the Team of the Year, but as a manager when that prize is there you always looked at it and though that it would be nice someday to get your hands on that.
“To put my hands on it again is fantastic and while I know it’s an old cliche it only happens with the hard work of a phenomenal amount of people around the club.
“It’s great to stand and hold the trophy, but it is a big testament to everybody whose work rate and commitment has been fantastic and it’s a big reward for them all.”
It is the second time that Kearney has been named Manager of the Year, having lifted the award in 2018.
Kearney will begin the new season at home to derby rivals Ballymena United tonight (Friday) and he hopes his players can hit the ground running at the Showgrounds.
“As great as it is to get the trophy you normally don’t get it as close to the next season starting, so all eyes will quickly turn to try to focus and get going again for this season,” he said.
“It’s not the last time I want to put my hands on it because it’s a sign that your club is in a good position all-round and if we’re holding the trophy again next season it’ll mean we’ve had a good season.”
