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50 Rafa Benitez

Benitez began his post-playing career as a youth coach at real Madrid, had a stint as manager of Hercules and worked as assistant manager to Bel Bosque at Real Madrid. However, upon leaving Real Madrid, Benitez's career developed less than auspiciously with two sackings and an awful record at Real Valladolid and Osasuna. He then guided Extremadura to a promotion, before being relegated. A year out and some academic study preceded a return to management as boss of Tenerife, with whom he won promotion to La Liga. He moved to Valencia, guiding them to title success in his first season 01-02, winning the league with some style and winning over supporters with their exciting, attacking brand of football. The following season was less successful but Benitez and Valencia returned to form in 03-04, winning La Liga again and triumphing in the UEFA cup. A move to Liverpool followed in 2004, where he immediately impressed the Anfield faithful by winning the champions' league in his first season with an astonishing victory over AC Milan, after having been 3-0 down at half-time. His tactical nous was widely praised. Benitez went on to guide Liverpool to top 4 finishes in each season up to 2008-09 but - despite spending vast sums of money - he still hasn't managed to win the first elusive league title. FA cup triumph came in 2006 with a champions' league final in 2007 and a premiership runners up spot in 2008-09 but the 2009-10 season began poorly with Xabi Alonso sold, financial problems and board-level trouble at Liverpool and significant criticism from pundits that Benitez has spent many millions of pounds without significantly improving the quality of the club's squad compared with the one he inherited. Other criticisms include his apparent preference for champions' league games and lack of prioritisation of premiership games. Apart from Torres and Xabi Alonso, many of his other mid-range signings have been questioned. Indeed, many have been shipped out having failed to deliver. Despite all this, Arsene Wenger pointed out Benitez's win ratio in his first 100 games is better than Wenger or Ferguson's and Benitez has guided Liverpool to second place, mounting a serious title challenge, as well as managing a European cup and a runners' up medal. The jury remains out on Benitez as Liverpool manager. While undoubtedly blessed with an impressive record at Valencia and Liverpool, he will have to take Liverpool on to a league title due to the overwhelming expectations on Merseyside. As a manager in Britain, he still has something to prove.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 2
European cup: 1
UEFA cup: 1

49 Keith Burkinshaw

Keith Burkinshaw began his coaching career in Zambia before moving to Newcastle United. He was sacked at Newcastle and joined Tottenham Hotspur shortly afterwards, again in a coaching capacity. From 1976 to 1984, Burkinshaw was manager of Spurs. He got relegated in his first season in charge but Spurs under Burkinshaw bounced back quickly and went on to sign Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa who - combined with English maestro Glenn Hoddle - provided Spurs fans with the kind of skill and elegance they had craved since Nicholson's time in charge. Burkinshaw went on to win 2 FA cups and masterminded a victory in the UEFA cup in 1984 before leaving to become Bahrain coach. He later had relatively unsuccessful spells at Sporting club de Portugal and Gillingham. He is Spurs' second most successful manager of all-time and fondly remembered by Spurs fans for creating a team true to the Spurs tradition of cultured, attacking football. When he left after a disagreement with the board, he announced, "there used to be a football club here." Many Spurs fans at the time sighed in agreement.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
UEFA cup: 1

48 John Toshack

Toshack had a playing career for Cardiff City and Liverpool before becoming manager of Swansea city. His success at Swansea was unprecedented, guiding the club from the fourth division to the top flight in four successive seasons. Despite being tipped for relegation, Swansea finished 6th in their first season and Toshack became a Welsh hero, winning the Welsh sports personality of the year award in 1981. Unfortunately, they were relegated from the top flight before suffering another relegation thereafter. Toshack, having established a reputation as a superb coach, moved abroad, managing Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Deportivo, Murcia in Spain, Besiktas in Turkey, Saint-Etienne in France and Catania in Italy. He won the Spanish league title in 1990 with Real Madrid and the manager of the year awards in 89 and 90. He also finished as a runner up in numerous competitions. Two mediocre periods as Wales manager and some less successful periods of club management mean his reputation isn't quite as good as one might expect given his early achievements at Swansea and title success at Real Madrid.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 1
European cup: 0

47 Jim McLean

After a moderately successful playing career, McLean became coach at Dundee United before becoming manager at the age of 34. He introduced a highly organised policy of youth development and managed to achieve satisfactory mid-table finishes for the first few years as manager. A league cup final defeat was followed in 1975 by a top 4 league finish - the best in their history. Two league cup wins and some success in European competition was followed up with a remarkable league title in 1983, based on the youth players McLean had developed over his period as manager. The club went on to make the European cup semi-finals, losing thanks to a penalty kick at this stage. His place in history was assured and he continued to guide Dundee Utd to top 5 finishes with the drama of a UEFA cup final to come, which was probably the most extraordinary achievement of his career at the club after the league title. He later became a director while remaining as team manager for 21 years. He is the club's most legendary figure by some distance.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

46 Joe Mercer

Joe Mercer was a former footballer, journalist and grocer who became boss of Sheffield United in his first management job. He was relegated as manager and spent the rest of his time as Sheffield United manager in the second tier, unable to win promotion. He left for struggling top division side Aston Villa and again led them to relegation. However, he managed to build a side of promising youngsters and won the league cup with second tier Villa in 1961 but a stroke a few years later caused him to leave football for a while and he was sacked upon his return to health. He then got the job at Manchester City, managing them through their most successful period from 1965-1971. He won the second division title with City, before two years later guiding them to a league title and subsequently an FA cup, league cup and European cup winners' cup. A takeover of the club resulted in Mercer's departure in acrimonious circumstances, before a short spell at Coventry, a period as caretaker England manager and then retirement from the game. He is well-regarded by Manchester City supporters and his record of taking a second tier club to promotion and a very impressive haul of silverware over the following six years bears testament to his talent as a manager, despite two relegations earlier in his career.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1

45 Jock Wallace

Jock Wallace became noted after guiding his first club as manager - Berwick Rangers - to an historic victory over Rangers. He was rewarded with a coaching job at Hearts and finally became coach under Willie Waddell at Rangers, before being appointed manager when Waddell moved upstairs. Wallace's Rangers side finally broke Celtic's stranglehold over the Scottish league and won their first title in 11 years. He went on to win 3 league titles in 4 years and won the domestic treble on two occasions. On the verge of greatness as Rangers manager, he resigned for reasons unknown to this day. He later became a successful manager at Leicester City, guiding them to the championship of the second tier in 1980. He even attempted to sign Johan Cruyff for Leicester City, coming close to achieving the greatest coup of the club's history. He was renowned as a some of a fire-breathing manager in the Ferguson mould. Gary Lineker once described being pinned against the dressing room wall and told he was a "****ing lazy English ****," despite having scored both goals in the first half in a game they were leading 2-0. The rest of his career was fairly undistinguished, including spells at Colchester, Sevilla and a second spell at Rangers with 2 league cup wins but a failure to meet expectations at Ibrox.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

44 Ron Greenwood

Greenwood intially coached Eastbourne United at Oxford University before later becoming England under-23 coach and assistant manager at Arsenal. Finally, he became manager at West Ham United, in 1962. He was regarded as a forward-thinking and insightful coach in his day and indeed coached and managed the development of some highly gifted young players at West Ham, including Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst. He is West Ham's most successful manager, having won the FA cup in '64 and their only European trophy - the cup winners' cup - the following year, in 1965. After his spell at West Ham, where he was highly-regarded and successful despite his limited resources, he later became England manager, controversially being selected by the FA ahead of Brian Clough who was seen as a potential loose cannon by the FA, as oppsed to Greenwood's 'safe pair of hands.' He guided England to the finals of both major tournaments he entered (they had failed to qualify for the two previous international tournaments) but failed to make it beyond the group stage in either competition before being replaced by Bobby Robson. He is West Ham's most successful manager and was a talented coach who did a great job in bringing on youngsters, which is part of Greenwood's West Ham legacy to this day and now something of a club tradition.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1

43 Tom Mitchell

Mitchell was secretary-manager of Blackburn Rovers from 1884 until 1896. In the seven year period from 1884 until 1891, Blackburn won the FA cup on 5 occasions under Mitchell. In those days, the FA cup was considered on a par with the league, though it is not anymore. His sides typically had no difficulty scoring goals but often struggled with defensive frailties and he spent a lot of time searching for a high quality goalkeeper to boost his team's chances in the league. Ultimately, his quest for a league title was unsuccessful, though his 5 FA cups make him arguably Blackburn Rovers' most successful manager of all-time.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

42 Arthur Dickinson

Dickinson was Sheffield Wednesday manager from 1891-1920. He is their longest-serving manager and also their most successful, winning the league title in 1902-03 and 1903-04 as well as two FA cups in 1896 and 1907. His record as manager reads: 393 wins, 338 losses, and 188 draws in 919 games. He passed away in 1930. Dickinson is the figure on the left of the photograph above as one views it.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

41 Jack Charlton

A world cup winning player for England, Jack Charlton's first job in football management came at Middlesbrough. He won the second tier title in his first season by a vast margin and - as a result - became the first ever manager outside of the top flight to win the coveted 'manager of the year' award. Having guided Boro to promotion, he consolidated their place in the top division with an emphasis on negative tactics and a direct, no-nonsense approach. He resigned and unsuccessully applied for the England manager's job before taking over at Sheffield Wednesday and leading them to promotion from the third tier. Brief spells at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United followed before he became Republic of Ireland manager. As Ireland manager, Charlton was considered a major success, guiding them to a number of tournament finals, despite having never before qualified for a major international tournament. He began with the European championship of 1988, beating England in the finals before bowing out in the group stages. He was awarded the runners-up prize in the World Soccer manager of the year awards of 1988. 1990 brought even greater success with qualification for the finals of the world cup, successful qualification in the group and victory over Romania in the second round. The hosts Italy finally knocked out the Irish 1-0 in the quarter finals in what was Jack Charlton's finest hour as Ireland manager. Despite being unbeaten in qualifying for Euro 92, the Irish drew too many games and failed to qualify. World cup 1994 was a success for the Irish, again qualifying and managing to reach the second round - defeating Italy along the way - only to lose to the Dutch in the second round. Charlton was rewarded with the freedom of Dublin in 1994. His side failed to qualify for Euro 96 in England and Charlton resigned, leaving football management for good.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

40 Howard Wilkinson

Howard Wilkinson began his coaching career at Notts Co., before dropping down a division to become manager of his boyhood team, Sheffield Wednesday. His first season at Sheffield Wednesday brought them promotion to the top flight and he guided them to finishes as high as 5th during his period as manager. He joined Leeds United in 1988, becoming known as a no-nonsense disciplinarian and earning him the nickname 'Sgt. Willko.' The players he signed were an effective blend of the skillful and the physical in order to compete in the second tier. His signings of Gordon Strachan and Vinny Jones aptly demonstrating the blend of silk and steel he was aiming for. He brought Leeds back to the top flight in 1990 and immediately offloaded Vinny Jones, replacing him with playermaker Gary McAllister. Having made a number of bargain purchases, Wilkinson blended these signings with very high quality players brought through the Leeds ranks, such as Speed and Batty, and coached them to the league title in 1992, with the help of a good goals haul from Lee Chapman and occasional moments of inspiration from Eric Cantona. He was widely praised for managing to usurp teams such as Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal in such a short time. His decision to sell Eric Cantona to Man utd for £1.2 million and bring in Brian Deane for over £2 million will go down in history as one of the poorest transfer decision of all time. While Cantona inspired Man Utd to a new successful dawn in their history with his verve and style on the pitch and lots of goals, Deane struggled to succeed in Leeds' side and they sunk towards mid-table blandness in the following seasons. Wilkinson's excellent approach to youth development, however, presented future managers with a goldmine of excellent, young footballers. Wilksinon's talent as a coach and advocate of youth development led to his appointment as FA technical director (they had considered Dario Grady for the post too) after being sacked at Leeds Utd; a stint as England's caretaker manager followed. However, in the remainder of his career, he has failed to replicate the success of his earlier years at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

39 Gordon Strachan

Wiley Scot Strachan began his managerial life at Coventry after a highly successful playing career as an international midfielder. He pulled off a memorable survival from relegation in his first few months in charge and fought a continuous battle against the forces of change in the premiership - namely money and highly skilled foreign players - managing to keep Coventry in the top flight without either of those precious commodities. He won plaudits for his record. A spell at Southampton followed, where Strachan was very successful in tranforming relegation candidates into a mid-table side. The following year he finished 8th and reached an FA cup final, qualifying for the UEFA cup. A break from management followed before a return to a management post at Celtic. Strachan took over from Martin O'Neil and won 3 successive SPL titles, a Scottish cup and 2 Scottish league cups. He also managed to guide Celtic into the last 16 of the champions' league on 2 occasions. After being beaten to the title by an under-resourced Walter Smith at Rangers in 08-09, Strachan resigned. He is now manager of second tier Middlesbrough.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

38 Ernest Mangnall

Ernest Mangnall was the secretary-manager of Manchester United from 1903-1912. His first job was at Burnley but he left the club after leading them to relegation (although they successfully sought re-election). At Manchester United, he assembled a talented side and was the first manager to win a league title with the club, in 1907-08. He won the first FA cup for Man Utd in 1909 and another league title in 1910-11. After this very successful period, he became the first - and only - manager to cross from Man Utd to Man City, eventually guiding City to a runners' up spot. He remains a key figure in the history of Man Utd, being the individual who won Utd their first two titles and - according to some - the driving force behind Man Utd's move to Old Trafford.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

37 Thomas H McIntosh

McIntosh is fondly remembered as one of Everton's twice title-winning managers. He was a popular man and considered a real gentleman among football managers. He began his management career as secretary-manager of Darlington, before moving to Middlesbrough and guiding them to their highest ever finish of 3rd in the top flight before war broke out. Following the war, he went back to Middlesbrough before joining Everton to become manager. At Everton, he made gradual progress in team-building and this culiminated in the signing of a certain Dixie Dean. The beginning of the 1927-28 season began in hit-and-miss fashion with a stonking 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday but only one win in the next six games. However, the team began to gel and find its form after this, rising to the top of the table by Christmas. A team close to the relegation zone the previous season went on to win the title, driven on relentlessly by Dixie Dean, who achieved the all-time top flight scoring record of 60 goals in just 39 games, including 5 hat-tricks and 20 headed goals. He won another league title in 1931-32 and an FA cup in 1933, becoming a hero at Everton and even to this day one of their most successful managers. He was eventually replaced as manager due to poor health and passed away with cancer in 1935.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

36 Ron Saunders

Ron Saunders began his management career at Yeovil Town, where he built a decent side, which went on to finish 2nd and then champions of the southern league in the two seasons following his departure. He later had a brief spell at Oxford United, before guiding Norwich City into the top flight by winning the second division title. He moved on to Manchester City and then to Aston Villa. During his time at Norwich and Man. City, he managed to lead each club to one cup final, losing both. However, at Aston Villa - then in the second tier - he managed to win promotion and the league cup in his very first season in charge, building a very talented side and guiding them to a second league cup win in the late 1970s, before winning Villa their first league championship in 71 years in the 1980-81 season. His side then went on to have a great run in the European cup. Saunders resigned part way through the season due to a disagreement over his contract but the team he'd built managed to go on and win the European cup for the first time in their history that season, under the guidance of his successor, Tony Barton. After leaving Villa, he got their rivals Birmingham City promoted and - uniquely - went on to manage Villa's other great rivals, West Bromwich Albion, where he was relegated and unable to get promoted back to the top flight, resulting in his sacking and retirement from football. His years at Aston Villa were the club's most memorable in over half a century and he is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic, likeable characters in British football history. Had he remained in charge of Villa and won the European cup, he would undoubtedly be ranked higher and, of course, may have gone on to win further honours.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European Cup: 0

35 Harry Catterick

Replacing Eric Taylor in 1958, Catterick achieved much success in his three years with Sheffield Wednesday as manager. He led to team to the Division 2 title in 1959 and reached the FA Cup semi-final the following season, losing to Blackburn Rovers. The following season Wednesday were league runners up to the Double winning Tottenham Hotspur. Catterick left just before the end of the season following an approach from Everton. He soon turned Everton's fortunes around, managing to win the league title in 62-63 and won the FA cup in 1966. Catterick led Everton to a second title, playing attacking, thrilling football in 1969-70. Unfortunately, he struggled to handle the pressure of a collapse in form the following season and had a heart attack in 1972. He held an Everton directorship for a short period before becoming Preston manager and then retiring after two years at Preston. He is well-regarded at Everton and one of their most successful managers.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

34 Joe Fagan

Joe Fagan is considered one of the key figures from the era of incredible success for Liverpool, beginning with Bill Shankly and the creation of the 'boot room' and ending with Dalglish's final Liverpool title in 1990. Along with Reuben Bennett and Bob Paisley, Fagan was a founding member of the boot room and played a significant role in coaching matters for several decades. He worked as Paisley's assistant manager and - on Paisley's retirement - it seemed natural for him to become the new manager. HIs first season was an enormous success: Liverpool's total dominance in the national game and their strong form in Europe - set in motion under Paisley - continued. Fagan won the league title, the league cup and the European cup in his first season, becoming the toast of Anfield. He had only signed a two-year deal and his second season had proven a glorious failure with a defeat in the European cup final and second place in the league. Fagan retired, paving the way for Dalglish to take over management of the club. While Fagan had a wonderful two-year period at the club, winning three major trophies, it has to be taken into consideration how dominant Liverpool were at the time, thanks to the sterling work of Shankly and Paisley - that is why Fagan isn't ranked higher, despite his excellent record over two years. His legacy was another European cup and league success and the signing of Jan Molby, who became one of Liverpool's finest passers of the ball during his time at the club.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 1

33 William Wilton

William WIlton was Glasgow Rangers' first ever manager, serving the club from 1899 to 1920. He served the club in a number of roles but while manager, the club won 8 league titles, a scottish cup and several more minor trophies. Of note, he managed to guide Rangers through a full season winning every match one year. No other team has accomplished this in Scottish history. Although few Rangers fans remember his team, he will always be remembered in Rangers folklore as the man who won every match for a full season. He died in a boating accident in 1920, having created a team that would become the dominant force in Scottish football for some time to come, leaving the club in excellent shape.

British leage champions: 8
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

32 Major William Sudell

Sudell is the man in formal attire to the right of the photograph as one views it. Sudell was a hugely passionate football player and later manager and an advocate of professionalism. Sudell was one of the key figures behind the creation of the first professional English league. He was a major in the local volunteer force rifal unit and the owner of a local cotton mill. He made his debut as a player for Preston aged just 16 and became the chairman of the club in his 20s. He managed Preston for the first two years of the English league and guided them to the league championship in the first season with defeat in the FA cup final. In his second season, Preston achieved the feat of going through the entire season unbeaten, winning both the league and the FA cup and earning them the title "the invincibles." It would be over a century before Arsene Wenger would repeat the feat of going a full top flight season unbeaten in the league. The keys to Sudell's success were his organisation at an early stage before the league had been formed, giving Preston a running start and to some extent, his corrupt business practises. It transpired in 1895 that he had embezzled thousands of pounds from his Mill business in order to pay players' wages and expenses. Although he did not benefit personally, the club undoubtedly did by attracting some of the better talent, funded by the embezzlement. As a result, Sudell, a colourful character, spent three years in prison and - on his release - emigrated to South Africa. Two stories persist about what became of him: one claims he committed suicide whereas the other story maintains he rebuilt his life before dying of pneumonia. Either way, he remains to this day Preston's most successful manager and was clearly a great football advocate as well as a double-winning and twice title-winning manager. Although he had some unfair advantages and won in a less sophisticated era, he certainly merits inclusion in this list.

British champions: 2
Foreign champions: 0
European cup: 0

31 Kit Rudd

Kit Rudd was the long-serving secretary of Bishop Auckland FC when they were the most successful amateur team in the country. Rudd had the power to sign players, pick the side and carried out adminstrative duties at the club too. During this era of success, amateur football was competitive with the professional game in some regards. Amateur players were sometimes found to be paid more than professional players, many amateurs achieved prominent success in the professional game and the amateur game was taken very seriously. Bishop Auckland are arguably the most successul of all the amateur teams - the Liverpool of the non-league. Precisely what powers Rudd had and what he was personally responsible for winning over some 50 years as the club's secretary-manager is not completely clear but it was certainly a large trophy haul.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European Cup: 0

30 Roy Hodgson

Polite and avuncular, Roy Hodgson appears to be more measured than many of his contemporaries, something of a throw-back in demeanor to the days of Sir Alf Ramsey and Ron Greenwood. However, he has an excellent record as a coach of some standing in Europe. Whilst has has never achieved prominent success at a major European club, he has won the league championship in two different countries, namely Sweden (which he won twice) and Denmark. His league record in Sweden was outstanding: he managed to finish first on five occasions and - but for the oddity of their play-off system at the time - would have six league championships to his name rather than three. As well as being a highly-regarded coach at club level, he is widely known for managing Switzerland to the 1994 world cup finals and losing only one game in a qualifying group that included Italy and Portugal. Switzerland managed to reach the last 16, eventually losing to Spain. Hodgson subsequently took Switzerland to their first ever European championship finals in 1996. His excellent record was noted by major club sides and Inter gave him his first high-profile management role. In his two years there, he managed to guide them to a European final and satisfactory performances in serie A before leaving to manage Blackburn Rovers after Kenny Dalglish's successful period at the club. Unfortunately, his second season at Blackburn started badly and he was sacked. Since then, he has drifted from job to job, before regaining his focus and form by taking over at Fulham and helping them to premiership survival. In his second season, he turned the relegation candidates into a force to be reckoned with, managing a surprising 7th place finish. His achievement at Fulham has been noted by fans and pundits alike as a return to form with some suggesting him as a possible future England manager and others linking him with a job at one of the 'big four' clubs.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 3
European Cup: 0

29 - Dario Gradi

The half-Italian former grammar school boy spent the 1960s as a school teacher, shopkeeper and amateur footballer. In the early 1970s, he held a number of coaching positions before becoming Wimbledon manager and helping them to promotion from the fourth division. A failed spell at first division Crystal Palace followed before a twenty four year period as manager of Crewe Alexandra, which was characterised by gradual improvement and promotion and the scouting and nurturing of an array of young British talent, sold to fund sustainable club development. Gradi attracted attention from Benfica and the FA (who saw him as a potential technical director) but remained loyal to Crewe throughout this period of success, helping them rise from the old fourth tier - where they had been for 26 years - eventually rising to the second tier, where they became established. Funds were raised by developing unwanted players freed by bigger clubs such as David Platt and developing youth players like Dean Ashton, who were sold for a vast profit and went on to become international players. The money was invested in developing the stadium to cater for increased attendances and in other resources. His relationship with Crewe was described by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as 'a great marriage.' The emphasis was on a long-term strategy rather than immediate short-term management; perhaps this is why - unlike to so many other smaller clubs who rise through the divisions - Crewe didn't slip back down the divisions again. Gradi's measured, intelligent approach ensured sustainable development and created a club ethos, much as Shankly, Nicholson and Wenger have done at different clubs. Gradi was a visionary and outstanding coach who created a virtual conveyor belt of talent at Gresty Road. Crewe's directors and supporters and the many players he set on their way to success would certainly not quibble with his place in the top 30. Neither would any fair-minded individual.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

28 Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson took charge of Portsmouth at the beginning of the 1946-1947 season, the first competitive post-war season in English football. He guided a perennially unsuccessful Portsmouth side to 8th place in the top flight in his first year at the helm. At the beginning of the next season, club chairman Mr Vernon Stokes called for Portsmouth to win the league in honour of the club's jubilee anniversary; Bob Jackson promptly responded by winning six of the first seven games in 1948-49 and went on to win the league championship for the first time in Portsmouth's history. They came close to sealing an historic first 20th century English league and FA cup double, losing in the cup final to Leicester City in the event. They failed to score in only 6 matches all season and dominated with superb four and five goal victories on several occasions. Jackson followed this season up with a second successive league title in 1949-50, Portsmouth's second and last league title. He left for Hull and never achieved such success again; meanwhile the excellent team he built crumbled as good players were not replaced by future managers. However, Jackson will always be remembered by the Portsmouth faithful as their greatest manager and someone who achieved unprecedented success with an unfashionable side.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

NB Photograph is of a Portsmouth FA cup triumph just before Jackson's arrival.

27 Dave 'Harry' Bassett

Dave 'Harry' Bassett managed to guide Wimbledon through all four divisions in a remarkable period during the 1980s. Wimbledon had been a non-league side only nine years previous to their promotion to the top flight. The central themes of Bassett's tenure were direct football, which he called "route 1" involving players of high stamina and strength up front, winning headers from direct passes played by defenders and thus bypassing the usual midfield build-up and secondly a unique mentality that Wimbledon cultivated under Bassett described as 'the crazy gang.' There were rumours of cold showers, practical jokes, thuggery and players such as Vinny Jones roughing up opponents and - infamously - squeezing Paul Gascoigne's testicles (which was caught on camera) in an act of intimidation and biting a photographer's nose at one point. Wimbledon were the leading English exponents of 'long ball football' and their opponents found it extremely difficult to play against. The result of this was that - despite being widely tipped for relegation from the top division in their first season - Wimbledon briefly led the league and went on to finish 5th in the top division in a remarkable debut season. His hard work paved the way for Bobby Gould's subsequent FA cup victory over Liverpool in one of the biggest shocks in FA cup history. Bassett himself opted to leave Wimbledon and left for Watford. His spell in charge was disasterous and he left to join Sheffield United whom he guided in successive seasons from the third tier to the top tier of English football, replicating his earlier success with WImbledon. He managed to finish in 13th and subsequently 9th place with a cheaply-assembled team and guaranteed Sheffield United a place in the newly-formed Premier League. While similar success has eluded him in recent years, his phenomenal success at Wimbledon and Sheffield United on a shoe-string budget and the unique approach and legacy he left at WImbledon earned him his place in the all-time top 30 British managers.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

26 Howard Kendall

Howard Kendall began his management career at player-manager of Blackburn Rovers, successfully overseeing their promotion to the second division and narrowly missing out on promotion to the first division the following season. This established him as a bright prospect and his connections to Everton (he played for them) led to him becoming Everton manager in 1981. His first few years were a struggle and he faced the sack in 1984 before going on to win the FA cup that season and reaching the league cup final. Kendall had cleverly built a very good team by recruiting cheaply from the lower leagues, picking up bargains such as Peter Reid and Neville Southall, while several young players came through the ranks and added to the moderately good side he inherited. The season after his FA cup triumph, Kendall managed Everton to the league championship and picked up a European cup winners' cup medal in the same season. The next year, he reached the FA cup final and finished runners up to Liverpool in the league. In 1986-87, Kendall guided Everton to a second league title in three years, becoming one of Everton's most successful ever managers. Given the strength of the competition in the form of an excellent Liverpool side and the quality of football that Everton played under Kendall during his first spell at the club, many argue he is their finest manager. Having won the title for a second time, Kendall sought a new challenge in Spain at Athletic Bilbao, achieving reasonable league positions before being sacked. The remainder of Kendall's career - including two further spells at Everton - didn't live up to his first spell at Everton and he won no significant silverware for the rest of his managerial career.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1

25 Terry Venables

Terry Venables or 'el Tel' began his club management career with Crystal Palace as a former England international footballer. He was an immediate success at Crystal Palace, guiding them from third division obscurity to the top flight in three years. The team he fashioned was labelled 'the team of the 80s' towards the end of his tenure as it appeared to have tremendous potential and was predicted it may dominate English football in the 80s due to its talent and relative youth. However, Venables left to manage QPR after guiding Palace to a mid-table finish in 1980. While Palace's fortunes went into decline without Venables, QPR won promotion to the top flight and managed to reach the FA cup final as a second tier team under Venables. He guided QPR to 5th in the top flight and managed to qualify for the UEFA cup. Having achieved such success with two small clubs, Venables secured a move to Barcelona and immediately shook things up by selling Maradona and purchasing Gary Lineker. He was successful in Spain, managing to win Barcelona their first league championship in over a decade, the Spanish cup and reaching the European cup final in the same year. The immediate progress under Venables wasn't maintained and he was sacked. A six year spell in charge of Tottenham Hotspur resulted in an FA cup win, the creation of a team full of flair in the form of Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker but also demonstrated a lack of strength in depth and defensive frailties. His Spurs side was, however, true to the Spurs tradition of playing passing, stylish football as embodied by Nicholson's push and run team and Venables was very popular with supporters. He managed to finish third in the top flight but was later sacked over alleged financial 'irregularities' and spent much of the rest of the 90s managing England (94-96), fighting the damage done to his reputation by allegations of financial impropriety and moving from club to club in a variety of roles without clear direction. His England tenure was widely considered a success, though England lost the 1996 European championship semi-finals on penalties to Germany - again. Highlights included a magnificent 4-1 victory against a demoralised Holland, a classic goal by Gascoigne against Scotland and a memorable penalty shoot-out victory against Spain in which Stuart 'psycho' Pearce scored from the spot and exorcised his personal demons relating to his infamous 1990 shoot-out miss against Germany, which had cost England a place in the world cup final. Tony Adams, who played for George Graham, Bobby Robson, Graham Taylor, Glenn Hoddle and Arsene Wenger described Venables as "the best coach I have ever played for." Despite a disasterous period at Leeds, Venables will be remembered as a fine coach and manager of immense promise and early success who never quite realised his potential as a winner of silverware, despite spells at clubs as large as Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 1
European cup: 0

24 Martin O' Neil

Having played under Brian Clough for Nottingham Forest during their halcyon days, O'Neil cut his managerial teeth at Wycombe Wanderers, guiding them to 2nd place in the Conference before winning promotion in his second season and thus taking them into the football league for the first time in their history; he won a second successive promotion via the play-offs, and shortly afterwards left Wycombe to take charge at Norwich. He quickly resigned from Norwich due to a disagreement and took charge at Leicester City, where he was boo'd and jeered by supporters due to a slow start and subsequent stutter with a team already heading for promotion to the premiership when he arrived. However, he did ultimately win promotion and subsequently guided Leicester to silverware with 2 league cup wins, respectable premiership positions and European competition. His teams have always epitomised tenacity, diligence and a simple, direct passing style of play. Genuine success followed with Celtic where he won the fans' plaudits, managed a record 25 consecutive victories (a record for a British league club), 7 consecutive victories over Glasgow Rangers and a 2003 UEFA cup final defeat to Porto as well as 3 Scottish league championships, 3 Scottish cups and a League cup. Following a period out of the game for personal reasons, he returned with Aston Villa and continued his approach of signing solid, hard-working players rather than superstars. Over the course of his few seasons at Aston Villa, he has begun to make in-roads towards the possibility of a champions' league place in the top 4, though he faces stiff competition from wealthy Manchester City and a resurgent Spurs under Harry Redknapp. BBC pundit Alan Hanson described O'Neil as "possessing the Midas touch" and he was one the few managers to be praised by his mentor Brian Clough in his autobiography. It remains to be seen whether O'Neil can win major silverware in England as he has done in Scotland. If he can, he will undoubtedly be propelled into the top 10.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

23 Stan Cullis

Stanley Cullis was a very successful top flight footballer for Wolverhamption Wanderers in the 30s and 40s. Wolves were one of the top teams during this period, finishing runners-up in the too flight and coming close to a famous 'double' but ultimately winning little, thanks in part due to the second world war, which interrupted this period. Cullis captained England on one occasion and in 1938, during a match against then-nazi Germany, Cullen was the sole England player who refused to do the nazi salute prior to kick-off and was consequently dropped from the side. Cullis went on to become Wolves manager aged only 31 and presided over their most successful era in football, guiding Wolves to three league titles and two FA cups with several runners-up spots in the top flight. Cullen was considered hard-as-nails and his management style relied on his tough persona as well as undoubted charisma. Cullis was sacked a few years later after a poor start to a season. He stated he would never work in football again after the heart-break of being sacked, despite offers from Juventus and other major clubs. He did eventually manage Birmingham briefly but success eluded him and he retired again. Many Wolves fans consider his sacking in September 1964 as the worst day in their club's history: the day they lost the man who made them great.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 0
European cups: 0

22 George Raynor

George Raynor is one of the most successful English managers of all-time on the international stage and yet no one in England has ever heard of him. After a mediocre playing career, he took charge of Sweden's national team, guiding them to a 1948 Olympic victory of Yugoslavia in the final. He followed this up with a magnificent third place in the 1950 world cup, despite the fact he could not pick professional footballers for Sweden's national team and thus had a very limited pool of amateurs to choose from. He went on to win a bronze medal at the 1952 olympics but his greatest achievement with Sweden was yet to come. In 1954, he guided Sweden all the way through to the world cup final, eventually losing to Brazil and transforming him into a hero in Sweden. Perhaps his sweetest moment came in 1959, when his Sweden team became only the second team to beat England at Wembley. Despite his remarkable achievements with Sweden, he never achieved any success as a club manager, managing AIK, Lazio, Coventry City and others with little to show for his efforts. He was never regarded well in England and, despite his record with Sweden and tenure at the helm of Lazio in Italy, he struggled to find work, managing Skegness Town and being sacked at Doncaster Rovers years later. He would be considered one of the all-time greats had he managed some success at club level to match his remarkable achievements with Sweden.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

21 George Graham

George Graham began his management career at Millwall, with whom he won the football league trophy and also successfully won promotion from division three, turning around their fortunes in a short period of time. His record at Millwall persuaded Arsenal to appoint him to the post of manager and he was very successful at Highbury, leading them to their first league championship since 1971 in the 1988-89 season. His team were known affectionately by their own supporters as "boring, boring Arsenal:" much of their success was based on a very well-organised defence, hard-working midfield and a direct style of play that was physical and incisive. Indeed, Graham was renowned as a disciplinarian and master tactician and he created arguably the most formidable defensive unit in British footballing history at Arsenal, which provided the bedrock of Arsenal's success even years later under Arsene Wenger. Graham soon won a second league championship with Arsenal and picked up an FA cup, two league cups, a UEFA cup winners' cup title and a charity shield along the way. The fact he achieved so much success on a limited budget in a short period of time was all the more remarkable. Signings such as Steve Bould, Ian Wright and Alan Smith demonstrated his shrewdness in the transfer market. Following allegations he received an 'unsollicited' gift from an agent in return for signing John Jensen, which he admitted, Graham was sacked by Arsenal and banned from football for a year. He returned later as a manager with Leeds United, whom he guided to UEFA cup qualification with an exciting, young squad of players and some talented players brought in by Graham. After a period of relative success with Leeds, he left to manage Arsenal's fiercest rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. As for many managers, Spurs became the deathbed of his managerial career: in many ways it was puzzling decision for a man so associated with Arsenal to join Tottenham. Despite winning the league cup with Tottenham, he didn't help them progress from a mid-table position and he was sacked, leaving management altogether to become a TV pundit. On reflection, nothing short of a league championship would probably have satisfied the Spurs supporters due both to his Arsenal connection and his preference for direct football, which is so unloved by Spurs fans and antithetical to their club ethos. One might conclude Graham was on a hiding-to-nothing. Graham will always be remembered as one of Arsenal's finest managers and someone who perhaps could have won much more given another opportunity.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1

20 WIllie Maley

WIllie Maley is a Celtic legend who won an amazing 30 trophies during his 43 year period as manager in a less competitive era. Maley didn't train the players, didn't give team talks and watched the match from the directors' box. Celtic's players didn't even find out who was in the team until they read about it in the newspaper or were told by one of Maley's assistants. He scrapped Celtic's policy of buying in established professional players and instead brought most of his players on through the junior ranks. He built a fine team and won 6 consecutive Scottish championships at one point. Overall, he constructed three distinct teams during his 43-year tenure, and won at least one title with each of them. He retired after leaving Celtic perilously close to the relegation zone. Although he won a remarkable haul of trophies, he was a manager in a less sophisticated era and was given 43 years at one of the world's biggest clubs so his great achievements must be balanced against what one would expect a club like Celtic to win in 43 years - which is a great deal.

British league champions: 16
Foreign league champions: 0
European cups: 0

19 Walter Smith

Walter Smith is the second most successful manager in the history of Glasgow Rangers. As a player, he made over 250 senior appearances in a chequered career and was notable for having scored more own goals than true goals. As a manager, he began as the assistant manager to Graeme Souness and followed him as Rangers manager, guiding Rangers to the title in every season he was manager during his first spell at the club except for his final season, when Celtic won the league. He moved to Everton and was largely unsuccessful as so many managers have been in trying to bring the glory days back to the club. His period was marred by unrealistic expectations from fans and the board. A short period as assistant manager to Alex Ferguson followed before Smith became Scotland manager. As Scotland manager, Smith got the best out of a very mediocre group of players, guiding them briefly to the top of the world cup qualifying group and building confidence and consistency. His excellent spell as Scotland manager led to Rangers approaching him to return as manager. In his first season back in charge, he appeared on course to win the league, Scottish cup, league cup and UEFA cup at one point but, in the event, they lost in the UEFA cup final and also lost the league to Celtic but did manager to win the league cup and Scottish cup. In his second season, Smith won both the league championship (his 8th as Rangers manager) and the Scottish cup double. This cements him as a true legend of the game. More recently, he announced he would be happy to manage Rangers without a contract, such is his love for the club and such are Rangers' financial problems. His love of the club only adds to the admiration supporters feel for him. A major European trophy would surely see him shoot up the list, though this seems unlikely in view of the uncompetitive nature of the Scottish league presently.

British league champions: 8
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

18 Jose Mourinho

Mourinho arrived in the UK in June 2004 as a reigning European Champions' League winner with Porto. A protege of Sir Bobby Robson, he immediately set about spending some of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's money on players such as Ricardo Carvalho and Didier Drogba and took the premiership by storm in his first season. He immediately demanded to be known as 'a special one,' which became the special one in the British media. Mourinho's approach to tactics focuses on the 'transition points' in matches: he believes games are lost and won when possession shifts from one team to the other and goals result from how one copes with that change in possession and consequent change in team organisation from attack to defence and vice versa. He led a team that had already finished close to the summit of the premiership to their first league championship in 50 years and won the league cup along the way, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the champions' league. The next season brought Mourinho's second successive league championship with Chelsea and his fourth successive title including his two championships with Porto. A third season was marred by the signing of Schevcenko, which was thought to be at the request of owner Abramovich rather than at Mourinho's request. This season was felt to be a disappointment as Manchester United reclaimed their premiership trophy and Chelsea finished second, though achieving success in both the FA cup and league cup. Winning two cups in one season and finishing second in the league and being viewed as a failure aptly demonstrated the great expectation of success at Chelsea - which has crippled subsequent managers of the club and resulted in a series of managerial changes. Mourinho's period at the helm was marked by a remarkably astute grasp of tactics, great motivational skills and a series of spats with other managers, most notably Arsene Wenger. His frequent outspoken comments rekindled the spirit of Brian Clough, as did his absolute conviction that he was the best of managers. While his team was very successful and Germanic in its physical strength and unwillingness to be broken down, it is generally thought that the lack of flair of his team as well as the power struggle with Abramovich cost him his job. After the power struggle, Mourinho left early the following season and joined Inter, whom he guided to the Italian title. Having won 5 domestic titles and a champions' league title in just 6 seasons, Mourinho is regarded as one of the greatest managers in the world. However, as a foreign coach who spent a lot of money on a good team and won just 2 British titles, his achievement has to be measured against the very high expectation of silverware at Chelsea. As a result, he is one of the all-time great world managers but only manages 18th place in the British list. If and when he returns to Britain, he will surely climb the rankings further.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 3
European cup: 1

17 Don Revie

Revie was made player-manager at Leeds in 1961 and soon won promotion to the top tier of England football as second division champions. Over the course of the next years, Revie crafted Leeds into the dominant force in English football, through a combination of skill and physical qualities, which imbued his team with an intimidating quality, used to good effect against their competitors. Notable critics, including Brian Clough, branded his team 'dirty' and pointed to their appalling disciplinary record. However, Revie created a great side, winning two league titles, an FA cup, league cup and reaching 3 further FA cup finals and a European cup winners' cup final, as well as winning the second division earlier on. A less successful period as England manager followed before stints in the middle east. He is known as Leeds United's greatest ever manager and someone who guided a lower division team to a position of dominance in the top flight.

British league champions: 2
Foreign league champions: 0
European cups: 0

16 Scot Symon

Scot Symon is an oft-overlooked legend of Glasgow Rangers FC. He was a lifelong fan of Glasgow Rangers and played for them just 37 times, becoming a reserve player for much of his time at the club and winning one Scotland cap. He began his management career as boss of East Fife, leading them to the Scottish cup final and winning the Scottish league cup. This was one of their best ever seasons and quite an achievement for such a small club. Bigger clubs took note and he was approached to become manager of Preston. He got the job, managing to reach an FA cup final before becoming manager of Glasgow Rangers. In 9 season at Rangers, he won the Scottish league 6 times and heroically reached two European cup winners' cup finals, bringing Rangers close to their first ever European trophies. Unfortunately, both matches were lost but his excellent domestic record and good European runs guarantee him a spot in the top 20. He is fondly remembered for his cheerful disposition and his love of Rangers, which endeared him to the supporters just as much as his record of title wins.

British league champions: 6
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

15 Tom Watson

Tom Watson was Sunderland manager between 1888 and 1896, winning 3 league championships in a four year period between 1891 and 1895, and finishing second in the season they did not finish top. The team was known as by far the most exciting passing and dribbling side to watch at the time. His masterstroke was the signing of John Campbell in 1890, who went on to score 133 goals in 186 games for Sunderland and fired them to success. Watson was Sunderland's first ever professional manager and later moved to manage Liverpool, winning two top division titles with Liverpool. He was regarded as a genius of a football manager in his time and one of only four managers to win the league with more than one club. Unfortunately, little is known about him today.

British league champions: 5
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

14 Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby was a genial figure, much loved in the world of football and beyond. A mentor to Jose Mourinho and someone Sir Alex Ferguson would telephone for advice and guidance, he proved to be one of the most successful British managers spanning five decades. He began at Fulham before becoming Ipswich manager for 13 years and guiding them to very respectable league finishes, including two second places finishes in a period of overwhelming dominance by Bob Paisley's Liverpool. He won an FA cup and the UEFA cup during his period at Ipswich. His success was all the more impressive for the fact that he relied largely on youth players for his success, having bought only 14 players in 13 years. His success resulted in him being given the England manager's job in 1982 in succession to Ron Greenwood. His failure to qualify for the 1984 European championships prompted Robson to offer his resignation in the face of overwhelming public demand for Brian Clough to be appointed manager. The FA rejected his resignation and he went on to guide England to the 1986 world cup finals, losing in the semquarter-finals to an infamous handball goal by Diego Maradona. Robson guided England to the European championship finals in 1988, losing in the groups stage. Two years later he led England to the 1990 world cup semi-finals, losing in penalty shoot-out heartbreak to West Germany, having created a very exciting team out of players such as Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle, Gary Lineker, John Barnes and David Platt among others. His contract was not renewed by the FA after allegations in the press about his private life. Robson left to manager in Europe and went on to win two successive league titles with PSV Eindhoven in Holland, guided FC Porto to successive league titles in Portugal and was made Barcelona manager, winning the Spanish cup, Spanish supercup and European cup winners' cup and being voted European manager of the year for 1996-1997. One of his most important decisions was the signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldo who made great steps under Robson at two clubs Ronaldo hailed Robson "without doubt one of the greatest (trainers) in the world." Robson subsequently became general manager at Barcelona, guided PSV into the champions' league in a brief second spell at the club and then returned to his hometown club, Newcastle United, guiding them through a period of transition after a series of unsuccessful, heavy-spending stints by Kenny Dalglish and Ruud Gullit. Despite his long and distinguished career inculding league titles in two different nations, Robson never won a league championship in Britain or a major trophy with England, which is a blot on the managerial copybook. A survivor of cancer and a man of remarkable generosity of spirit and humility, Robson was regarded as one of the best managers and best men in British football history. As well as his footballing activities, Robson created a foundation to fund cancer projects in the north of England was knighted by the Queen of England in recognition of his services to football. Robson passed away in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 4
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1
UEFA cup: 1

13 Bill Nicholson

Nicholson became Tottenham Hotspur manager when they were struggling towards the foot of the top flight and rapidly turned around their fortunes. Within 3 seasons, Nicholson managed to win the first double in the 20th century and created a team of legendary elegance dubbed 'the push and run' team, which is widely regarded as the most attractive attacking side in Tottenham's history and also the most successful. He subsequently reached a European cup semi-final, won a second FA cup, became the first manager of a British club to win a major European trophy by winning the cup winners' cup in 1963 with a 5-1 victory over Athletico Madrid in the final and won a third FA cup. In the 70s, Nicholson won 2 league cups and a UEFA cup. He retired from football with great dignity, higlighting shifting attitudes in football such as negative tactics and cynicism, a lack of regard for style and flair - and increasing player power. Nicholson is remembered as a legend of the game by Spurs fans, having led them through their most successful era, combining a great work ethic with a commitment to pretty, attacking football: an ethos that pervades the club even to this day. Nicholson's ghost looms over White Hart Lane as their greatest ever manager and a true footballing idealist. Indeed, so great is his legacy, no Spurs manager has been considered quite good enough since Nicholson. He was - and is - a hard act to follow.

British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
European cup winners cup: 1
UEFA cup: 1

12 Arsene Wenger

Wenger's career began with Nancy in France, whom he led to relegation from the top division before becoming Monaco manager. At Monaco, he gained a reputation as a great coach and judge of player, signing the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Jurgen Klinsmann, George Weah and Youri Djorkaeff. He won the French league in his first season and later the French cup before being coveted by Bayern Munich; he was not allowed to join Bayern by the board and later had a successful stint in charge of Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan, guiding them to victory in the emperor's cup and second place in the league. Wenger then became manager of Arsenal, a position he has held for 13 years. In that time, Wenger has become Arsenal's most successful manager of all-time and developed a reputation for quick-passing football in the fashion of Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest, whom Wenger cites as an early managerial inspiration in his life. He has also shown an aptitude for developing young players and helping older players realise their potential, though critics would say he has focussed excessively on foreign - rather than British - youngsters. In his Arsenal career thus far, Wenger has won 3 premiership titles and 4 FA cups including 2 historic doubles. In one of the most mesmerising seasons of football in British history, his 2003/04 side managed to go through an entire football season unbeaten in the top flight - the first time this had happened in the 20th century. He has also been runner up in the champions' league and overseen the development of the stadium, partially funded by his own excellent record of buying players and selling them on at a profit. Despite spending relatively small sums and recouping large amounts of money, Wenger has competed with bigger-spending rivals and shown a real commitment to high quality football. Critics have argued that in recent years the trophies have dried up but Wenger retains faith in the young side he has built up over the past 3-5 seasons. A further league championship or European cup would send Wenger soaring up the rankings but there are those who feel his best period is over and that he is struggling to find the right players to turn Arsenal into title contenders once again, or to win that first elusive European trophy. His more recent teams, while technically accomplished, appear to lack the more physical dimension and leadership of his late 90s side. Nevertheless, he remains Arsenal's greatest manager and one of the most successful managers in British history. Time will tell whether his team of outstanding youngsters are capable of matching the recent dominance of Man. Utd and Chelsea.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 1
European cup: 0

11 Herbert Chapman

Herbert Chapman began his managerial career with Northamption Town and Leeds City. He was embroiled in controversy when an accusation about financial impropriety was made by a former player and 5 Leeds City officials were banned from football for life - including Chapman. Chapman was working in the coke works at Selby when this ban was imposed but was later laid off and appealed against the ban, managing to overturn it by arguing that he was not directly involved in the financial impropriety. Chapman returned as manager of Huddersfield Town, signing players of the calibre of Clem Stephenson and George Brown. He won the FA cup in his first season in charge and went on to win the league championship in two successive seasons, before moving to Arsenal. His Huddersfield side and Arsenal side were based on a strong defence, pacey wingers who put in lots of crosses and a counter-attacking style of play with quick passing. At Arsenal, 30-31 and 32-33 were both title-winning seasons and he won the FA cup in 1930, after a slow start without any trophies for his first 5 years at the helm as he rebuilt a struggling club. He became the first - and one of only three managers since - to win the league title with two different clubs in the 20th century, alongside Brian Clough and Kenny Dalglish. Chapman will be remembered as Hudderfield's greatest manager and a very successful Arsenal manager who transformed them into a big club. He was also England's first professional manager, albeit on a temporary basis and fully merits his place inside the all-time top 30 British managers. Tragically, Chapman died of pneumonia while on a scouting mission. But for that, he may have won so much more.

British league champions: 4
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

10 George Ramsay

Ramsay, a Scot, is the gentleman in the dickie-bow tie. The greatest figure in the history of Aston Villa FC, he was at the forefront of English football from the inception of the English league until 1926, when he retired as the secretary (manager) of Aston Villa. Ramsay initially impressed a team of cricketers attempting to play football one day by demonstrating his incredible dribbling and control during an informal match. The team soon made him their captain and people watched the team simply to marvel at Ramsay's skills. This team became Aston Villa and Ramsey managed the team to no fewer than 6 league championships and 6 FA cup wins, including the first ever 'double.' He is also credited with inventing the modern, 'passing game.' Until Ramsey, football was a 'dribbling game' in which most players attempted to dribble the ball as far as they could before passing or scoring. Ramsay devised the 'passing game,' which proved more successful and was adopted by all the other teams rapidly. Ramsay is a figure of great importance and won vast amounts of silverware, though he won it in a much less competitive era and it is difficult to estimate how this would translate into success in the modern game. However, with 6 league titles and 6 FA cups, no one can deny he deserves his place inside the top 10 managers in British history.

British league champions: 6
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

9 Bill Struth

Bill Struth was manager of Glasgow Rangers over a 34 year period, winning 18 league championships, 10 Scottish cups and 2 league cups. He is Rangers' most successful manager of all-time in terms of trophies, though they were won in a less sophisticated era. Struth is considered a legend at Ibrox, having made Rangers the most powerful club in Scotland. He was a disciplinarian and reputed to be a master psychologist by his former players, who insisted he knew exactly how to get the best out of them. He ensured all his players wore bowler hats with collars and ties when in and around Ibrox or on official duties. He rarely interacted with his players at all on match days and instead preferred to prepare them beforehand. He often said little but what he did say was felt to be extremely helpful and he rarely wasted a word. In his 34 years as manager, he never gave a pre-match pep talk and is rumoured only once to have visited the dressing room - after an embarrassing defeat. The players thought he was about to explode for the first time but his only words were, "God help the team you'll be playing next week.” According to former Struth player, Dr Adam Little, "Playing The Rangers Way was handed down from generation to generation. You were introduced to a system and the first team players told you what to do. If you didn't, you wouldn't last long.” Dr Little - a medical doctor - also explained, "he was way ahead of his time. And in psychology, he was a wizard - he controlled the team. You've eleven players and no two are alike - he could handle each and every one of us. He knew our weaknesses. He was strict - you had to live by his standards and if you didn't you were out the window. If you disobeyed certain things you were just transferred.” One player, Archie Macaulay was “out on the skip on the Thursday night." The following week he was transferred to West Ham, no questions asked and without Struth even explaining why he was no longer required at Ibrox. Struth never played professional football but was an athlete and a stonemason by trade. As he aged, he became less authoritarian and more interested in topping up his winter tan with UV tubes. He even changed his tactics, which had hitherto been set in stone. He is spoken of in hushed terms by the Rangers faithful and regarded as their finest ever manager.

British league champions: 18
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0

8 Kenny Dalglish

Widely regarded to be one of the greatest footballers in the history of the world game, he won every honour at national and European level with Celtic and Liverpool and won 100 caps for Scotland. He became player-manager for Liverpool after Joe Fagan stepped down and his first duty in charge was to navigate the club through the Heysel disaster, which resulted in a ban from European football for the foreseeable future. Dalglish reduced his playing duties to concentrate on management and promptly led Liverpool to the double in his first season - something neither Shankly nor Paisley managed. Over his five full seasons at Liverpool, he won 3 league titles, finished in the top 2 every year and won 2 FA cups and a league cup, coming close to an historic second double. The keys to Dalglish's success as Liverpool manager were continuity, a winning mentality, tactical astuteness and shrewdness in the transfer market. His signings included Aldridge, Beardsley, Barnes and a young Jamie Redknapp. He added some flair to an already accomplished side but his focus on defensive tactics and unpopular decision to drop Beardsley did occasionally bring him into conflict with fans. Dalglish bequeathed his successor a team at the top of the league, some excellent younger players, including Redknapp and McManaman, as well as a youth policy that provided such future stars as Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard. Dalglish gained the respect of all of Liverpool for his dignified behaviour during the Hillsborough tragedy when so many supporters lost their lives, visiting many funerals and leading the club through the human tragedy that scarred everyone associated with the football club. The stress of trying to meet his own very high standards and the emotional tubulence of the Hillsborough tragedy possibly contributed to Dalglish's resignation, which he said was due to the 'pressures of the job.' Dalglish returned 9 months later - batteries recharged - with Blackburn Rovers and managed to spend Jack Walker's millions astutely, guiding them from the second tier of English football to an eventual premiership title, beating Manchester United before he again resigned his duties as manager. During this period, he showed a keen eye for team construction, securing the services of a young Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, creating a solid defence and trying to purchase Roy Keane and Zinedine Zidane while they were still affordable. Apparently when he approached the chairman for money to purchase a young Zidane, the chairman's reply was, "Why do you want Zidane when you have Tim Sherwood?" Dalglish remains one of the all-time greats, having won 4 league championships with two different clubs, including the double, and having guided a team from the lower divisions to the league title in just four years. He never had the opportunity to compete for European trophies due to the ban imposed on Liverpool in the 80s but any future titles in Britain or Europe would surely propel him into the top 5. After his highly successful period at Blackburn, he had a short spell in charge at Newcastle following on from Kevin Keegan as he had done as a player. He guided them to second place in his first season at the helm and the following season gave Newcastle one of their most memorable European nights, masterminding a classic victory over Barcelona. However, in his second season, he finished a disappointing 13th and was surprisingly sacked just 2 games - both drawn - into the next season. Fans didn't take to his dour persona and negative tactics and some of his signings were much less successful than at his previous two clubs. An ill-fated stint as director of football at Celtic followed, taking over briefly from John Barnes when Barnes was sacked. Dalglish then took several years out of football. He is presently an ambassador at Liverpool football club with a management role at the club's academy. He is being linked with a sensational return to the club as manager as Rafa Benitez struggles to meet expectations. If that were to happen, it would probably be the most popular appointment in Liverpool's history for the man they refer to as 'King Kenny,' Liverpool's greatest ever footballer and one of their finest managers.

British league champions: 4
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0