Who is the Best ‘Pound for Pound’ Manager in the Premier League? Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Hull, Liverpool, Man City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham & Wigan Fans Have Your Say!
In the 15 seasons since the inauguration of the Premier League, the Manager of the Year award has been won by the man who led his club to the title. The only occasion this has failed to be the outcome was in 2001 when Ipswich’s George Burley won the honour after he led the Tractor Boys to 3rd place in the division the season after promotion. If the usual trend continues then basically only one of four men can win the Manager of the Year title next season. It begs the question, surely judging who is the best overall manager cannot besided on the destination of the Premier League trophy alone?
Last season Sir Alex Ferguson was named winner for the 8th time whilst managers such as Martin O’Neill, Harry Redknapp and David Moyes missed out despite superb individual campaigns with their clubs. Then there was Wigan boss Steve Bruce who performed wonders with his new side when they looked doomed to the drop. Surely the realistic ambitions of each club including their size of budget should be taken into account before finally deciding on who wins the award.
A similar outlook to the one used in Boxing would serve as a fairer indication on who is deserving of the title, where the best ‘pound for pound’ fighter is chosen regardless of size and weight. With this in mind and leaving club rivalries aside we’d like your vote on who you regard as currently the best manager in the Premier League?
Vote and leave your views on why.
Tags: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Premier League, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham, Wigan
July 8th, 2008 at 15:37
I am a Spurs fan and would say David Moyes has done the best job and deserved the award last season for leading a relatively average side with little money to 5th place. He is also the only man to stop the same top 4 in recent years. A class act.
July 8th, 2008 at 15:43
Arsene wenger. Created a club from practically nothing.
Man Utd would be top of the league if they had another manager in charge, Arsenal would not be where we are without wenger.
July 8th, 2008 at 15:45
without a doubt wenger, ferguson and hughes are the best managers in the epl. whoever that one vote for cubishley is is a muppet
July 8th, 2008 at 15:47
Spurs rule screw everyone. Ramos is king, king of them all. Bow to the mighty one….Just playing. Theres no contest really, its Sir Alex. Pointless debating it. Its all about the trophies.
July 8th, 2008 at 15:48
Well said Yiddo! Got to be Moyes. The evidence is there to prove this, little money, small squad, great buys, plus getting into the top 4. Only thing is, he needs a cup this season to complete the job. COYB
July 8th, 2008 at 15:49
He needs longer to prove himself but have to say that Roy Hodgson worked wonders to keep Fulham up… but who are we kidding we all know that finishing 6th in the league with the smallest squad, that scored the 3rd most goals in the league is just pure brilliance. 1st season 16th, 2nd season 11th, 3rd season 6th Martin O’Neills influence is there to see…
July 8th, 2008 at 15:50
WHERE IS THE GREAT RAFA BENITEZ ON THIS LIST?
July 8th, 2008 at 15:50
im spurs but i actually voted for wenger as much as i hate him. Its a tight decision between him and fergie but Wenger is a better all round coach and i would go as far as to say hes the best coach in the world… i feel so dirty
July 8th, 2008 at 15:52
rafa benitez isnt a manager, he’s a bully masquerading as tom jones…..
July 8th, 2008 at 15:52
I am spurs fan and I would agree that wenger is one of the best if not the best. I completely disagree that he created a club from nothing and i think many arsenal fans would agree as well. Although he is not solely responsible for the new ground, he can take credit for the recent trophies and the transfer balance (he makes more than he spends) which contributed greatly to decision to have a stadium (otherwise spurs would also have one by now!). I know many would say he hasn’t won anything in a couple of seasons but the brand of football and the realtive success to the budget he is given is very impressive. I hate Arsenal but I admire Wenger.
July 8th, 2008 at 15:54
MON is a tich, so i will go for him!!
July 8th, 2008 at 15:55
NOT David Moyes. He insists on playing a dreary 4-5-1 formation and the style of football is often very hit and hope against the bigger teams.
Per £ - I would think it would have to be Roy Hodgson after keeping Fulham in the premiership, and having the audacity not to play hit and hope.
July 8th, 2008 at 15:56
liverpool did fantastic without a manager.what is the point to vote are u anti scousers?oops!YNWA
July 8th, 2008 at 15:56
Love how Scolari has got 5 votes without managing a single Premiership game! Which is incidentally more than Rafa Benitez’s fat zero! But I think it should go to Harry Redknapp - small budget, big signings. First trophy in 69 years. End of story!
July 8th, 2008 at 15:57
Benitez is at the bottom !!!
July 8th, 2008 at 15:58
Pound for pound, as in getting value for money (and hence results) on transfer dealings, it’s Mark Hughes.
David Moyes has a case, perhaps even Martin O’Neill, but it’s laughable to include the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Felipe Scolari on this list. The former has bought how many £20m+ players? The latter has how much experience or proven success in English football?
Anybody can win given Manchester United’s, or Chelsea’s, near-bottomless resources. Not everybody can produce the goods when their hunting in the bargain basements. Put Sir Alex back in Aberdeen now and he’d struggle to break the Glasgow duopoly. Put Hughes there and he’d get results.
I’m not a Blackburn or Manchester City fan, by the way, before someone starts throwing that accusation.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:00
Im a spurs fan and think that it has to go to david moyes.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:00
Toffeeboy, perhaps that’s got something to do with the list not even including him. On my screen he wasn’t there to vote for, not that I planned to vote for him…
July 8th, 2008 at 16:01
There is only one ‘Arry Redknapp and he is, pound for pound, the best in Europe. In 6 years he has taken a club from nowhere to FA Cup winners and two top ten finishes… and all this with half the resources of any other manager in the top ten. He us, without doubt the best motivator in the Premiership AND the best wheeler/dealer for new players. There is no question about it! And why on earth are Ramos and Scolari in the list. THey haven’t done anything with their clubs yet!
July 8th, 2008 at 16:02
Its got to be Tony Mowbray the job he has done is fantastic.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:03
He is at the bottom of the list on my page!
July 8th, 2008 at 16:04
um ramos won the league cup……
July 8th, 2008 at 16:04
Only one manager has won a world cup. If we’re talking pound for pound like boxers then Scolari is a heavyweight around a bunch of lightweights. Viva Brazil……
July 8th, 2008 at 16:07
Fergie, no doubt.
To the gooner who said that Man Utd would be top whoever was manager and that Wenger built Arsenal from scratch, you sound like a typical, know-nothing, post Sky fan.
If you must know, Wenger took over a club that had won many trophies (including 2 league titles) within the previous decade and he inherited a defensive unit that was the bedrock of his early success, along with the great Dennis Bergkamp (who was bought by Rioch).
Ferguson, by contrast, took over a club that hadn’t won the title in 20 years. He really did rebuild Utd from the bottom up. He worked incredibly hard on the youth system that eventually produced that great generation of players - Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, the Nevilles etc - a generation that has been at the core of Utd’s perennial success for more than 15 years. Fergie did all this in a time before Sky money and when English clubs didn’t even have the benefit of any European football - let alone the monster that is the Champions’ League.
If Utd are now a financial and marketing phenomenon, it is only because Fergie has made them so fantastically popular around the world by consistently winning trophies in a fantastically entertaining style.
Don’t forget, too, the incredible and unprecedented success that Fergie enjoyed in Scotland with Aberdeen - beating the Old Firm into submission.
Until Wenger can get close to Fergie’s trophy record (and he’s not within a million miles at present), he cannot be considered a better manager.
Oh, and I’m not a Man Utd fan, in case you were wondering.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:08
How can anyone deny that Fergie is the best manager. Pound for pound or whatever, Fergie is head, shoulders, torso and feet above the rest. Probably the greatest manager in history. Arsene “you just wait until next year” Wenger??!!! Do me fllllavour!
July 8th, 2008 at 16:13
and Moyes could never manage a team of United stature. It’s like saying some guy who gets his team promoted three years running in the local district league has achieved more with what he’s got. Bullsh*t poll designed for ppl to are looking for a way to deny the undeniable that Fergie is No.1.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:13
gary megson or gareth southgate.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:13
Keegan, he’s not spent anything yet.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:15
STEVE BRUCE
July 8th, 2008 at 16:17
It’s not easy to vote for Phil Brown in this poll is it ? You’d think footballpools.com would at least know the teams in the Premier League !
July 8th, 2008 at 16:18
If I owned a footy team and had to pick any manager in the world not just the premier league to run my team it would be Harry Redknapp. Run a club on a shoestring, can motivate and revive dead careers, and has the old fashioned “Clough” touch, I.E he cares about the game more than anything else in his life, except his wife. Deserves a Knighthood. Martin O’neil in 2nd place, then Arsene Wenger. I could manage Man Utd with their budget, Fergies hardest job is keeping his players egos in place, big deal.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:22
I agree with Yiddo accept our team isn’t average.
When will people stop thinking Everton hoof the ball!
WE HAVE THE SMALLEST MIDFIELD AND ATTACK IN THE LEAGUE IT IS IMMPOSIBLE TO HOOF TRY WATCHING EVERTON STUPID FOOLS.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:24
WITHOUT THE OBVIOUS ONES WENGER AND FERGUSON I WOULD SAY DAVID MOYES FOR ABSOLUTELY SURE HE HAS DONE WONDERS AT EVERTON I READ SOMEONE SAYS HE PLAYS DREARY FOOTY AND WE ALL WANT TO SEE FANCY FOOTBALL LIKE I WATCH AT EASTLANDS LOL BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY ITS A RESULTS GAME I WOULD BE SUPRISED IF A BIG BIG CLUB DIDNT TAKE MOYES SOONER THAN LATER HE IS OBVIOUSLY A TOP NOTCH MANAGER. BEST MANAGER OF ALL TIME IN THE WORLD EVER THOUGH IS ARSENE WENGER WITHOUT A DOUBT. AS FOR BENITEZ LIVERPOOL WERE NOT AS IMPRESSIVE AFTER HIS ASSISTANT LEFT IN MY OPINION.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:33
Redknap. has taken a team from relegation scraps in the championship to europe, f.a cup succes and all on a very limited budget. also top ten consistent finishes. without him pompey would be nothing, look what happened when he left for half a season and then he came back and saved us when we where eight points adrift!!
July 8th, 2008 at 16:45
Surprised that Juande Ramos hasn’t been mentioned more. I don’t believe that he’s in Fergie’s or Wenger’s class but what he achieved with Sevilla on a tiny budget was truly outstanding - certainly putting him at least on a par with the likes of Moyes and Redknapp.
He took over a club that hadn’t won anything for something like 40 years (and hardly anything ever) and won 5 trophies in 3 years - playing absolutely scintillating football in the process. He only fell short of winning the La Liga title (and with it, treble) in 06-07 because of fixture congestion (similar to Rangers in Scotland last season).
Of course, he then followed that up by winning the Carling Cup with Spurs and taking them to mid table comfort from deep in the relegation mire when he took over after 11 games.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:47
id have to say wenger because he is just skin and bones so must weigh around 50 pounds, and is alright a managing so i think he wins
July 8th, 2008 at 16:52
Sorry…my mistake. Before Ramos, Sevilla hadn’t won anything since 1948 - a gap of 58 years. Just like buses, you wait 58 years for a trophy and then 5 come along all at once!
July 8th, 2008 at 16:53
Moyes 1st then anyone from MON, Redknapp, Hughes
The worst got to be Benitez, fat swap shop loving liar ( got no money either) ;)UTV
July 8th, 2008 at 16:55
As a red Scouser it pains me to say David Moyes. He’s worked wonders despite the club’s fraud of a chairman being an absolute laughing stock and taking them ever deeper into their quagmire. Without Moyes Everton would have been down to the lower divisions and now they are on the heels of the top4 and in Europe.
Still I’m not sure if Moyes could be the right type of manager for wealthier clubs, but what he’s done for Everton, he’s got to get my vote.
July 8th, 2008 at 16:59
GAGA, I agree with everything you say except for one small point;
Everton are not, and never have been a ’small club’. We are still, after two decades of winning nothing apart from one FA Cup win, the fourth most successful club in the history of English football. We have spent more seasons in the top flight than any other and have more top flight league points than any other team.
I think Hughes will be an excellent manager at City. I wouldn’t want to be a player who turns up late for training without a good reason with him in charge.
Wenger? Top class manager. He never exactly built the club up from nithing but he was a long way behind Fergie.
Fergie? Brilliant record over the last 18 years. Can’t take that away from him. Although Duncan, you cannot argue that the large resources at his disposal haven’t been a factor. If you can’t see that you’re fooling yourself.
Mourinho? A good manager, as his time in charge of Porto proved, but when you can afford to write off utter millions on expensive flops then it sure helps.
Redknapp is another excellent manager who has operated on a shoestring budget.
Beneitez; I’m not being biased as a blue, because I think Benitez is a great manager when it comes to European football, and gets his tactics spot on, but as a Premier League manager, considering the money he has spent, and the fact he inherited two players of the caliber of Gerrard and Carragher, then he has been a major disappointment.
But if we took all the mangers here, gave them the resources and playing personal that Moyes had in 2004, then take away Rooney and Graveson, and then still finished 4th, then we’d see who was the better manager.
And BTW to the original poster;
The manager of the year in 2005 was won by David Moyes that year.
July 8th, 2008 at 17:45
I’d love to say Fergie but considering his budget I’d definitely go with Arséne. He does wonders with little money, unlike Ferguson who required a big wallet.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:04
Peejay - Fergie did not require a big wallet when he was at Aberdeen, beating the Old Firm into submission and winning a European trophy as well.
Nor did he require a big wallet when he transformed Utd’s youth system and brought through players like Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Gary Neville etc and used those players as the core of the team that has won countless trophies over the past 15-20 years.
He didn’t even spend much on the likes of Schmeichel, Cantona or Keane - all incredibly important contributors to Utd’s success.
For all Wenger’s reputation (and no doubt he is a first class manager), his trophy winning record cannot begin to compare to Fergie’s.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:10
Well for starters Ipswich Town have never finished 3rd but they did finish 5th
July 8th, 2008 at 18:10
Regardless of being a City fan, even last year I dreaded our Sky Blues playing Blackburn. Tough and gritty play, Sparky always got more out of his players for less $ than anyone on a consistent basis. But then I watch Roy Hodgeson convince the ragtag boys at Craven cottage that they could play football. It was a freaking miracle and the avoided the drop when everyone considered them dead and gone. Roy gets my vote, then Sparky, then O’Neil then Bruce.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:19
For a start Joe Kinnear won it with Wimbledon when they finished 6th. And Ipswich did finish 5th not 3rd.
Who writes these articles. If u plan on making a point (or at least to create one) at least get the facts right.
Thanks.
Sir Alex is the best coz he has won the most titles and kept his job the longest. Simple as. Pointless article.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:27
David Moyes.
Evertons average league position in the 5 years before he took over was 16th. In the 5 years he has been there it has been 6th. Thats a 10 place turnaround.
Arsene Wenger inherited great players like Bergkamp and Wright but still brought through fantastic young players like Vieira, Henry, Fabregas etc.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:28
gotta be little wisey
cant wait for kk to walk again
no pay off for you mr keegan
July 8th, 2008 at 19:05
goonerbobby - Everton’s average league position since Moyes took over is actually 8-9th. Don’t forget that, in 2003-04, Moyes’ team only narrowly escaped relegation, finishing 17th.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:52
Has to be Keegan he is an amazing manager and we nearly won the league with him years ago when he was first here. He did really well with Fulham and Man Citeh also.
We would have won the league had Man Ure not had Cantona.
Ye will all see next season top 4 for us and then we shall move to the next level extend the stadium and take over the premier everyone knows we are the biggest club in europe..
July 8th, 2008 at 21:24
Top o’ da mornin’ to ya fellas
Keano all da way, to be sure.
July 8th, 2008 at 21:32
Don’t vote Keane. He’s a nasty pasty in the dressing room and it wasn’t even productive. I ofcourse have the most reliable views having played under Keane loads of times.
July 8th, 2008 at 21:36
gotta say its keano or he’ll do me again. Wish i had the chance to play alongside him and win some of the silver that he won.
July 8th, 2008 at 21:48
in my book Keanos’ the best!
July 8th, 2008 at 21:51
i feel happy for the lad,no hard feelings, its all water under the bridge, by the way is chopra available?
July 8th, 2008 at 21:55
obviously i can’t vote for myself so i urge all reds to vote for Roy Keane, he made me what i am today.
thanks Roy.
July 8th, 2008 at 22:04
Vote for me!
- edit: thats Roy Keane
July 8th, 2008 at 22:04
Nope sorry Micky. Need Choppywhops for next season. I’ll drive McShane there for you though. He’s injured but to be honest he’s crap without an injury so you wont notice the difference. £5mill do ya?
July 8th, 2008 at 22:09
I’d love it, just love it if I won this poll.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:19
in voting for me, you are voting for the man who turned a very average right back (thats being kind) into the best premiership centre back (as voted for in a poll on here)…
Nyron once said “Roy, you’re a canny manager…”… it is my greatest achievement to date, bar none…
July 9th, 2008 at 10:35
I’m a Toon fan , but have to say that Wenger gets my vote. He keeps rebuilding his team without ever seeming to have to lay out huge transfer fees. Sells when players are just past their peak but fetching top price and has another great young player waiting in the wings. At the same time his teams play wonderful football, a joy to watch.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:37
EVERTONAL WHEN I SAID I WOULD BE SUPRISED IF A BIG BIG CLUB DIDNT TAKE MOYES I WAS IN NO WAY SAYING EVERTON ARE A SMALL CLUB THATS WHY I EMPHASISED BIG TWICE SO IT DIDNT GIVE THE IMPRESSION I WAS SAYING THEY WERE SMALL.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:58
Got to be Moyes, no contest! Even Kopites agree (well said reddo)!
July 9th, 2008 at 14:16
Phil Brown without a doubt
July 9th, 2008 at 15:38
Being a Sunderland fan, it has to be Roy Keane. Loving the work he’s doing there. Living in Hull now so don’t get to many games but respect goes to him.
July 9th, 2008 at 15:42
It hurts me to admit it but keano is the man…. if we had him obama might keave us in pieces
July 9th, 2008 at 16:00
For å skjule den grusomme dobbeltilværelsen sørget for å etterlate få spor. Politiet utrykker stiller likevel spøsmåltegn ved!
July 9th, 2008 at 16:56
Roy Keane is a Prroppaaaa Gangsta, toatal reespoct 4 da man.
July 9th, 2008 at 17:44
Mr Wise if you can get me Keano as manager you will receive a gift from me of a thousand virgins
July 9th, 2008 at 17:54
Roy Keane LMAO!!!!!!!! Thick smbs!!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 17:54
I Like licking windows
July 9th, 2008 at 17:55
I love Roy Keane! I think about him when i dance to YMCA!
July 9th, 2008 at 17:57
Mmm! windows taste great with windolene smeared all over them
July 9th, 2008 at 17:59
stop pretndin t 2 b me maccum sc*M1!!!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 18:01
I wannna make love to Roy Keane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 19:40
Stop pretending to be me!!!
BTW, whats wrong with me being a window licker and wanting to make love to such a stunning man, Roy Keane?
July 9th, 2008 at 20:26
Roy, i am pleading with you, i need someone to lead the country out of this depression.
you know you are that man.
please SAVE US!!
July 9th, 2008 at 20:54
Roy Keane without a doubt. The man is such a gentleman, and I have the utmost respect for him.
July 9th, 2008 at 21:19
PEOPLE HAVE A LAUGH ON HERE BUT PUTTING HAALAND’S NAME AND THEN A COMMENT ABOUT ROY KEANE IS STUPID IT WASNT FUNNY WHAT HE DID TO HIM HE ENDED A MANS CAREER HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF SOMEONE ENDED YOUR STINT AS THE HEAD CLEANER AT MCDONALDS AND STOPPED YOU PROVIDING FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY YOU WOULDNT LIKE IT I HOPE IT HAPPENS TO YOU YOUR OBVIOUSLY A LITTLE BELL END.
July 9th, 2008 at 21:26
Don’t be daft I got what was coming to me, fair play to Roy. I just stick to playing chess with Stephen Hawkins nowadays.
July 9th, 2008 at 21:33
Keano!.. theres only one KEANO!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 21:41
I’m still lickin this there window!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 06:13
anyone else think we should swap sunderland and newcastle for lets say, celtic and rangers?
July 10th, 2008 at 10:08
Is it just on this site or are all Mackems witless Cretins?
Wenger: Nobody tries to play football like he does and in a straight fight with the other supposed top 3 with limited funds he has more than held his own.
Fergie: Born winner who creates exciting attacking teams.
Moyes: The best of rest, not sure what he’d do if he actually had money to spend but on a shoe string he’s been a revalation at Everton.
Worst:
I’d like to say Benitez because with the resources he’s had he has consistantly made a complete mess of his persuit of the top 3. But the Rotund restaurateur has won a Champions league so i think the title would have to go to Keegan. A self confessed loser who’s mangerial career could have been written by the chuckle brothers.
July 10th, 2008 at 11:08
FAO Rach07
hense why women aren’t allowed to govern football
————————————————–
As much as I hate Newcastle, they have good support (3rd best in the country) and ourselves have the 5th best support in the country (despite both of us not winning anything since 1973). If you honestly are basing your views on Sunderland fans from this website then you need to get out more.
Come to the North East and you will appreciate how much these people love their football and how passionate they are about it.
My vote went to Fergie, he has created the current Manchester United football club. I don’t rate Wenger for the fact that he relies too much on youth, had they had greater experience last year I believe they would have won the league.
And for Darren Davies:
As said don’t base your opinion on Sunderland fans from this site, some comments are funny whereas most are cringeworhty. Also Keegan is a bottler, who has came back for a final payday.
July 10th, 2008 at 17:15
No, I wrote the comment. Does my name not give it away?
July 10th, 2008 at 18:28
I’m still licking this window! Is this a record?
July 10th, 2008 at 20:14
No it’s not a record. Barnie from Benwell has licked every window in St. James Park. I’d have a go but I’m struggling to get out of this wheelchair.
July 10th, 2008 at 20:22
mmmmmm windows
July 10th, 2008 at 20:25
IT’S FIXXEEDD!!!! why hasn’t keane got 100%???!!! :S
July 10th, 2008 at 21:43
I like licking windows too.
July 10th, 2008 at 21:43
Geordie4LYF will you get your tongue of my window now please
July 10th, 2008 at 21:48
Well it’s certainly not me.
July 11th, 2008 at 01:50
Mike Ashley tried to get Osama, me and Blanch from Coronation Street form a consortium to buy Newcastle.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:03
It has to be me because we’ll get more points than Sunderland and score more goals next season.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:15
OHHH I definately think its robbie williams. oh la la
July 11th, 2008 at 10:15
sorry wrong poll