12 Greatest Ever English Football Managers (1953 onwards)

I must admit, in writing this, I have shown preference to the managers who have achieved success without the funds. These are in no particular order so you judge who you think is best.

Brian Clough

This great manager from the 70′s at Derby and later at Nottingham Forest was indeed a true icon in the history of the English game. In truth, he would have been a great manager of the English National team but for some unknown reason, never got the call. His domestic managerial career was the stuff of legends. In regards to him leading Derby County to the ultimate glory in the English game in regards to the Divison 1 title in 1971/2. Then when he went across the Midlands to Nottingham Forest, the side he created was truly breath taking. They won the title in 77/78 and the League Cup on 4 occasions. The crowning glory was the two European Cup wins in back to back years as the 70′s ended. A very shrewd finder of talent and of tactics.

I loved ‘Old Moon Face’ Clough!

Don Revie

Though this guy was almost unapproachable, the side he created at Leeds United in the late 60′s and early 70′s was one of the best sides in the history of English football. He later became England manager. At Leeds, his shrewd buys, in particular the legendary Jimmy Giles and his making of others like Billy Bremner and Jack Charlton into stars of the English game made the side truly fearsome. He won the 1st division title twice and the League Cup numerous times and other Cups in England and abroad.

That Leeds side of the early 70′s was truly one of the best ever in the English game.

Sir Alex Ferguson

This retired Manchester United manager is indeed one of the most iconic figures in the history of the English game. In the years of the EPL, it has been symbolised by Manchester United dominating and winning everything. Though, when he took over this wasn’t the case with United in the midst of a 26 year title drought. Granted he had always been backed by huge funds in the transfer kitty, but some of his buys have been very shrewd indeed. Most notably Eric Cantona, who was at the forefront of breaking United’s title drought in 92/93. Then this coupled with his faith in youth such as Giggs, Scholes and the like were the forefront of his sustained success. He has won anything and everything in England and Europe.

Such is his success, I’m sure he wins bingo at his local club too.

Stan Cullis

In the 50′s, the big club was Wolverhampton Wanderers and this was on the back of this great manager. In the 50′s he won the top flight title 3 times and was runner-up twice. He also won 2 FA Cups. He was at the forefront of the creation of European competions between teams from different nations when his Wolves side beat the Hungarian giants Honved, that contained one Ferenc Puskas. He was a great man of principles, as shown when he refused to play against Germany in 1938 due to his abhorrence of Hitler. He took these principles into management, duly creating one of the best sides in the history of English football.