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From champions to survival experts and those who thrived despite tight budgets, these are the finest coaches ever to have managed in England’s top division.

The greatest Premier League managers aren’t just those who have lifted the trophy or secured Champions League qualification. Some have worked wonders at the other end of the table, keeping their teams in the top flight despite limited resources.

Here’s a look at the most outstanding Premier League managers of all time.

Anyone who has helped a club establish itself in the Premier League and stay there, despite the financial might of the elite, deserves recognition. Tony Pulis achieved that with Stoke City, later keeping Crystal Palace in the league against all odds, and he also made West Brom a competitive outfit.

Paul Jewell remains a beloved figure among Wigan Athletic supporters for leading the Latics into the Premier League for the first time. It was a fairy-tale rise that continued as Jewell guided them to the League Cup final and proved capable of challenging top teams, even if only briefly.

When Ronald Koeman departed Southampton for Everton in 2016 after two successful years, fans on the south coast were disappointed to see him go. The Dutchman, a regular winner of Manager of the Month awards, made supporters believe silverware was within reach. Under him, Saints achieved two top-seven finishes and qualified for European competition.

Thomas Frank became a Brentford hero by leading the Bees into the top flight for the first time since 1946/47. Despite limited means, the Dane built a fearless side that could challenge anyone. Brentford finished 13th in 2021/22 and improved to ninth the following season, narrowly missing out on European qualification.

When Graeme Souness left Liverpool in 1994, the club was struggling. Roy Evans faced a tough job rebuilding the team and making them title contenders again. Though he fell short of winning the league, Evans created an exciting attacking side that restored optimism at Anfield.

Graham Potter raised standards at Brighton & Hove Albion, and his success earned him a move to Chelsea in 2022. His successor, Roberto De Zerbi, quickly made an impact with his attacking football, leading Brighton to a remarkable sixth-place finish and a UEFA Europa League spot.

Eddie Howe made his name at Bournemouth, where he guided the club to the top flight for the first time and kept them there for four seasons – a remarkable feat by Premier League standards. His achievements made him a fan favourite and one of the most respected young English managers.

Southampton supporters may never forget the two 9-0 defeats suffered under Ralph Hasenhuttl, but the Austrian also oversaw impressive highs. The Saints often exceeded expectations, recorded several big wins, and even topped the league briefly during his tenure.

Martin O’Neill, a two-time European Cup winner, spent four seasons at Aston Villa, leading them to three consecutive top-six finishes. Though he didn’t bring silverware to the club, he took them to the League Cup final in 2009/10 and left a lasting legacy on players and fans alike.

Alan Curbishley may not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing the Premier League’s best managers, but his impact was undeniable. Charlton Athletic declined after his departure, and his success in keeping West Ham in the league was one of the great survival stories.

Unai Emery took on a major challenge when he replaced Arsène Wenger at Arsenal in 2018. Though his time there was short, the Spaniard reaffirmed his tactical mastery back in England with Aston Villa, transforming a struggling team into a European contender in 2022.

Brendan Rodgers, from Northern Ireland, has enjoyed successful spells at Swansea, Liverpool, and Leicester. His Liverpool team came agonisingly close to the title in 2013/14, and at Leicester, he delivered the FA Cup and memorable football after a trophy-filled stint at Celtic.

Gerard Houllier never won the Premier League with Liverpool, but his contribution was immense. Over six years, he nurtured talents like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Michael Owen, and led the club to a treble of the League Cup, UEFA Cup, and FA Cup.

Roy Hodgson’s globe-trotting career included some of his finest work in the Premier League. Taking over Fulham in December 2007 with the club in 18th place, he led them to safety, then to a seventh-place finish – their best ever – and even to a Europa League final.

Harry Redknapp was instrumental in developing talents like Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand at West Ham, guiding the club into Europe. He later won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and led Tottenham to the Champions League, earning the Premier League Manager of the Year award.

Sam Allardyce’s brief stint as England manager is often remembered, but his Premier League career spans hundreds of games. Known for rescuing struggling sides, he also performed admirably at Bolton, where he guided the club into European competition.

Sir Bobby Robson took charge of Newcastle in September 1999 when they were bottom of the table. His impact was immediate, including an 8-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday. Between 2002 and 2004, Newcastle finished fourth, third, and fifth, returning to European football under his guidance.

Mauricio Pochettino surprised some when he joined Southampton, but he quickly won fans over, leading them to their best finish in a decade. At Tottenham, he achieved the club’s highest-ever Premier League finish – second in 2016/17 – and took them to the Champions League final the next year.

Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most decorated managers, made history in England by leading Chelsea to the 2009/10 Premier League title by a single point over Manchester United, completing a league and FA Cup double. His brief spell at Everton also showcased his elite coaching pedigree.

Kevin Keegan built one of the Premier League’s most entertaining teams at Newcastle. Although he never captured the title, the 1995/96 race remains one of the most thrilling ever. His ability to inspire and motivate his players was second to none.

Manuel Pellegrini enjoyed a dream start at Manchester City in 2013/14, winning both the Premier League and League Cup, becoming the first non-European manager to win the English top flight. He later managed West Ham, guiding them to a top-half finish in 2018/19.

Claudio Ranieri pulled off one of the greatest shocks in sporting history when he led 5,000/1 outsiders Leicester City to the Premier League title. His calm leadership and tactical intelligence made that triumph unforgettable, securing his legendary status despite his exit the following season.

David Moyes spent nine years at Everton, leading them to fourth place and an FA Cup final, earning a reputation for consistency and resilience. His move to Manchester United didn’t go as planned, but it didn’t diminish his achievements or managerial ability.

Rafael Benitez guided Liverpool to Champions League and FA Cup victories, and a second-place league finish during his six years at Anfield. He later won the Europa League and FA Cup with Chelsea, and led Newcastle back to the Premier League following relegation.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, already a Liverpool icon before the Premier League era, proved his greatness once again by leading Blackburn Rovers to the 1994/95 Premier League title, powered by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, edging out Manchester United.

Roberto Mancini masterminded Manchester City’s first Premier League triumph – and their first league title in 44 years – sealed dramatically by Sergio Aguero’s last-minute winner. He also recruited stars like Aguero, David Silva, and Yaya Toure, shaping the foundation of City’s modern success.

Antonio Conte’s stint at Tottenham may not have gone to plan, but his first season at Chelsea in 2016/17 was spectacular. The Italian led the Blues to the Premier League title in his debut campaign, winning 30 of 38 matches and amassing 93 points.

Jose Mourinho arrived in England calling himself the “Special One” – and he lived up to the title. At Chelsea, he built an unbeatable side that won back-to-back Premier League titles, ending a 50-year drought, and he added another crown during his second spell nine years later.

Arsène Wenger faced scepticism when he joined Arsenal, but he soon revolutionised English football. The Frenchman became the first non-British manager to win the top-flight title in 1998 and famously guided the ‘Invincibles’ to an unbeaten Premier League season in 2003/04.

Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona mastermind, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tactical thinkers in football history. His teams not only win but dominate, and his ability to improve elite players and build relentless winning machines sets him apart.

Jurgen Klopp brought Liverpool their long-awaited Premier League title in 2019/20, ending decades of frustration. The German’s high-energy style and ability to rebuild teams without massive spending have made him a modern legend at Anfield.

Sir Alex Ferguson stands above all, not only in Premier League history but in world football. The legendary Scotsman’s 13 league titles at Manchester United remain unmatched, and the club’s struggles since his retirement underline the depth of his influence.