Calland, the former Bradford Bulls threequarter, was named on a three man short list yesterday afternoon, alongside two Super League-bound Australians, Salford's Shaun McRae and Celtic Crusaders' John Dixon.

Calland will be at long odds against to be named the winner at next Tuesday's glitzy National Leagues award bash at Elland Road, Leeds.

High profile McRae has already lifted the League Leaders' shield and Northern Rail Cup this season, while Dixon, the veteran Queenslander who has built Celtic from the ground up over the last three years, has steered his side to a Grand Final spot.

But Fax chief executive Graham Clay is adamant that it is still Calland who should walk away with the top prize.

"Without any disrespect to Shaun McRae and John Dixon, they have both been working with much bigger budgets and full time players," said Clay.

"If you look at what Matt has done in his first year, with a part time team and training facilities which we recognise are currently less than ideal, then I think he has done remarkably well.

"He's had to cope with some adversity in terms of the number of injuries we've had and while everyone was disappointed with the way the season ended against Whitehaven, I don't think you can measure success purely in terms of league positions.

"I think the majority of our players have improved as individuals this year, and a lot of that improvement is down to Matt's knowledge and coaching ability."

Calland is already tied to Fax for 2009, and Clay was happy to acknowledge his nomination vindicates the club's decision to extend his contract in April - just three months into the season.

"I think a few people probably raised their eyebrows when we did the deal so soon," said Clay.

"But we can see the work Matt is doing behind the scenes and we know how highly the players rate him.

"I think this also vindicates Martin Hall's decision to become director of football and allow Matt to develop as a coach."

Calland's success was not reflected in the nominations for Player of the Year, where Fax captain Sean Penkywicz was runner up last season.

Salford pair Craig Stapleton and John Wilshere and Celtic playmaker Damien Quinn will do battle for that prize.