"Some complete... person..."
5. Ian Holloway (Blackpool)
Although the Seasiders felt the agonising pain of relegation on the final day of the season, no one can doubt the hugely positive impact they have had upon the Premier League, and none exemplified that impact more than their infectiously vibrant manager, Ian Holloway. From his not so serious rant over the World Cup in which he lampooned FIFA and UEFA (“you’re wrong!”) to the entertaining football his team displayed throughout most of the season, Holloway was a breath of fresh air to a league that has too often lacked the sincere characters willing to speak their mind. Let’s hope he’s back soon.
4. Tony Pulis (Stoke)
Pulis has turned Stoke from potential relegation candidates into a proven Premier League club. By coaching his players to play to their strengths, he has overseen a remarkably encouraging season in which the Potters reached the first FA Cup final in their history – thrashing Bolton 5-0 in the semi-final – and therefore a shot at European football for next season. This coupled with a strong 13th place finish in the table, has firmly embedded them as a top flight club. He has made good decisions to develop his squad, notably with the acquisitions of Kenywne Jones and Jermaine Pennant.
3. David Moyes (Everton)
No matter how limited the Scot’s resources appear to be at Everton, David Moyes has proved season after season that he is one of the top managers in the country. Very few managers could guide the Toffees to consistently high finishes in the Premier League with such a small transfer budget. Of course, Moyes may wonder what might have been had Everton not endured a horrific start to the season and injuries to several key players such as Mikel Arteta. Regardless, Moyes knows the club like the back of his hand and has forged extremely strong bonds with his players. If Everton obtain investment in the future, who knows what could be achieved.
2. Roberto Mancini (Manchester City)
There may be those who suggest City should have achieved more than just a first trophy (the FA Cup) in 35 years and automatic qualification to the Champions League group stages after spending the best part of £500 million since being overrun by a gazillionaire in 2008. However, the Italian has still managed to meet expectations and City are now a serious force in English football, no matter how many detractors they may have. He has been under enormous pressure to deliver success and has handled it well. Question marks remain over his squad harmony, but further investment is likely and Mancini appears to be ticking the right boxes.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
There are very few words to describe what Sir Alex has accomplished in the season he became United’s longest serving manager. A record 19th Premier League title and a possible 4th European crown is just the story of 2011. Indeed, it is impossible to forget the innumerable honours he has gathered unto the people of Old Trafford in the past 25 years. It has been repeated so often that this has not been his most ‘vintage’ squad, but in all honesty this only makes United’s glory sweeter. A phenomenal unbeaten home record was the foundation of success, as well as a certain Little Pea proving there can be no doubt of Ferguson’s mastery in the transfer market and in the dressing room. Sir Matt will be smiling.
