Key Highlights
- The author won the Premier League manager of the season award in 2014 with Crystal Palace.
- The article discusses potential candidates for this year’s LMA Manager Of The Year Award.
- Managers like Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola, and Keith Andrews are praised for their achievements.
- The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing managers who overachieve despite budgetary constraints.
The Season’s Over-Achievers: A Manager’s Perspective
Many moons ago, I found myself on the receiving end of a prestigious accolade—being named Premier League manager of the season with Crystal Palace in 2014. That, along with my other managerial triumphs, remains one of my proudest moments. So, who do I believe deserves recognition this year?
Arteta and Guardiola: The Premier League’s Standouts
In the Premier League, Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola have been outstanding this season. Their teams are on track for a great run at the LMA Manager of the Year award. Yet, beneath them, there are other managers who deserve attention.
Keith Andrews’ Remarkable Journey
Keith Andrews has achieved something amazing at Brentford in his first managerial season. He was a bookie’s favorite to be fired but almost secured European qualification for the club—a feat that Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also accomplished with a Champions League place, though he ended up in the Europa League.
Andoni has been managing my old club since 2023. Despite having to consistently sell his best players, he has built a team that is gaining momentum.
His success isn’t just a one-off; it’s been built over three years of consistent improvement. In an era where managers have less time than ever, Andoni’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with patience and skill.
Farke’s Turnaround at Leeds
Daniel Farke has shown that he can turn things around at Leeds too. By the end of November, his team was under real pressure, but they managed to improve their fortunes. Regis le Bris at Sunderland also performed outstandingly by retaining Premier League status for a promoted team.
Lower Division Achievements
Managers who overachieve in lower divisions deserve recognition too. Bromley’s Andy Woodman, MK Dons’ Paul Warne, and Cambridge United’s Neil Harris have had fantastic seasons in League Two. Woodman’s achievement of 21 unbeaten games from December to March is an unbelievable story.
Lincoln and Cardiff also performed well this season.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s Cardiff were expected to be close, but no one I knew fancied Lincoln. Michael Skubala has done outstanding work at the Imps, ensuring a great season in the Championship where Coventry and Ipswich took automatic promotion.
A Season of Reflection
At this time of year, every manager reflects on their performance. Many will leave their clubs by summer—some through choice, others not. The job is already unstable, but it’s getting worse every year.
We are in a cycle where instant success is expected, making things even more challenging.
As for new managers, I follow their progress with great interest. Managing lower down the divisions demands a lot of learning, and experience is invaluable. No one understands the job until they sit in the seat!
