‘He showed why good managers need time’ – who are this season’s over-achievers?
Managers Who Defied the Odds: Recognizing This Season’s Unsung Heroes
He showed why good managers need – Years ago, I was honored with the title of Premier League Manager of the Season—Crystal Palace in 2014. This memory, along with the same award I won with Gillingham in Division Three (now League Two) in 1996, holds a special place in my career. As I reflect on this year’s achievements, the question arises: who deserves recognition for outperforming expectations? The League Managers Association (LMA) hosts its annual awards dinner on Tuesday, celebrating milestones across men’s and women’s football. While the top table often garners attention, this season has seen several managers rise above the norm, proving that consistent progress, not just title success, defines true excellence.
Perseverance in the Premier League
The Premier League’s manager of the season award traditionally favors those who finish at the summit. Since the tradition began in 1993, only four times has it not gone to the top team, a fact that makes my own 2014 win all the more meaningful. Yet, I’ve always admired managers who defy this pattern, achieving greatness despite not being the top finisher. This year, Arsenal and Manchester City have been the standout teams, but their managers—Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola—have also been pivotal in their success. I expect both to be strong contenders for the prestigious individual accolade, complementing their teams’ remarkable campaigns.
Looking beyond the top, however, there are others who have made waves. Keith Andrews at Brentford is a prime example. In his debut season as a manager, the Bees were widely considered favorites for relegation at the start of the campaign. Andrews, too, was on the shortlist of managers likely to be sacked early. Yet, his team edged closer than anyone anticipated to securing European qualification. That achievement was claimed by Andoni Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to a spot in the Europa League. Iraola, who has managed my old club since 2023, has faced the challenge of selling his best players repeatedly but has still built a team that shows steady growth. His success is not a fluke—it’s the result of three years of incremental improvements, a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
“He showed why good managers need time.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with Iraola’s journey. While his early start in the south coast was rocky, with his first league win arriving late in October, he has proven that patience and persistence pay off. Similarly, Daniel Farke at Leeds has turned the tide when pressure was at its peak. By the end of November, the Leeds team was in dire straits, but Farke’s tactical adjustments and leadership stabilized their position. His feat, along with Regis le Bris’s work at Sunderland, highlights a trend: promoted teams are no longer guaranteed to be relegated. Both Farke and le Bris have retained their Premier League status, a rare achievement that underscores their ability to adapt and inspire.
Champions of the Lower Divisions
In the lower tiers, the story is no less compelling. This season, Bromley, MK Dons, and Cambridge United have all delivered exceptional campaigns in League Two. Andy Woodman, Paul Warne, and Neil Harris have led their teams to unexpected triumphs. Woodman’s Bromley, for instance, went 21 games unbeaten between December and March—a streak that defies belief. Their eventual title win is a monumental feat, especially considering the challenges they faced in the league’s toughest divisions.
Meanwhile, Lincoln City and Cardiff City have shown remarkable consistency in the Championship. Brian Barry-Murphy’s Cardiff were expected to perform well this season, but Lincoln’s success was a surprise. The Imps’ journey, led by Michael Skubala, has been a masterclass in underdog storytelling. Their championship win and automatic promotion to the Premier League have been a source of pride for fans and analysts alike. Similarly, Coventry City and Ipswich Town have secured automatic promotion, with Ipswich’s return to the top flight being no accident. Kieran McKenna now faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum, but his team’s achievements this season are undeniable.
The LMA’s overall Manager of the Year award reflects this broader narrative. Over the past 33 years, only 14 winners have come from the Premier League, while seven have emerged from outside the top division. This balance is crucial, as it acknowledges the hard work of managers in less resourced leagues. For instance, teams like Bromley, MK Dons, and Cambridge United have had to navigate financial constraints and limited transfers, yet their success is a credit to their vision and determination. These managers often face tougher odds but rise to the occasion, proving that talent and tenacity can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Andoni Iraola’s Europa League qualification for Bournemouth is a standout moment, but it’s far from the only one. Across the leagues, there are countless stories of managers who have achieved the impossible. Whether it’s a first-time coach turning a relegation candidate into a European contender or a veteran leader steering a promoted team to stability, these individuals deserve recognition. The LMA awards dinner serves as a platform to celebrate such moments, ensuring that the spotlight isn’t solely on the top teams but also on those who have made the most significant strides in their respective divisions.
Reflections on a Season of Triumph
As the season draws to a close, it’s clear that over-achievement is a recurring theme. From the Premier League to League Two, managers have demonstrated that success isn’t always tied to a team’s starting position. In