Who can fill the boots of Sir Alex?

Who can fill the boots of Sir Alex?

Last season saw an end to the illustrious career of Sir Alex Ferguson. The no-nonsense Scot will forever be remembered as a great in the English game due to his tremendous success at Manchester United.

Although Sir Alex’s retirement has opened up a window of opportunity for many managers in the Premier League, he has also left a huge void. With that being said, the platform is there for one or two new, and lets say “less new” managers to create their own bit of history in the English game.

Going into this new season, it is all change in the managerial merry-go-round. More than any time I can remember; we have a vast array of managers that are in the early stages, or in new positions at a club and really looking to impress.

Who or what are they trying to emulate?

It is very likely that Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievements in England will never be surpassed or matched in our generation. In his 26 years he amassed 28 competitive trophies, of which 13 were league titles and 2 were the Champions League.

Before he came we had the likes of Brian Clough, who was a tough, charismatic, unassuming manager. He won a league title, then back to back European Cups with an unfashionable Nottingham Forest side.

Bob Paisley only managed for nine years, all with Liverpool. In those years he won 14 competitive trophies of which 6 were league titles and 3 were European Cups, which is still a record as the most by a manager. He also won six manager of the year’s.

As we move into modern times, the return of Jose Mourinho will ignite everyone in England not just Chelsea supporters.

In his four seasons at Chelsea he won the league title twice. He has also won league titles in three other countries and quite possibly, with his two Champions League wins with Porto and Inter Milan, has a better chance than any to equal or maybe beat Bob Paisley’s record.

When we look to the future in England, it will be hard to predict which manager could be the next big thing in the Premier League.

Below are a few names that due to reasons such as: their ability, financial backing, potential, club status or structure, experience and achievements, are in the best position’s to possibly fulfill that mantel.

David Moyes: Now with the Premier League champions and without limitations, he definitely has a platform to go on and achieve greatness. He’s known for having a no-nonsense way of managing but now at a big club how will he handle the pressure of expectations and following in the footsteps of Sir Alex?

Manuel Pellegrini: Done wonders with minnows Malaga, getting into the Champions League on a tiny budget. Had players such as Isco, Cazorla, Joaquin and Saviola. now has financial backing to create a real wonder team. How will he adapt to the English game and style of play? Also how will he deal with the notorious English press who are known for ruining careers.

Andre Villas-Boas: Has youth and experience on his side which is rare in today’s game. He is also starting to prove himself as a bit of a tactician. Having a reasonably decent season with Spurs, the pressure will really be on to take them to the next level. Spurs are no longer a team in transition so how will he cope with the pressure of Champions League football or else.

Brendan Rodgers: Has a great opportunity, philosophy and platform to build Liverpool back into a major player in English football which would be a major achievement. Although Liverpool has been in transition, they have been a sleeping giant for far too long and now is the time to deliver. How will he cope with that kind of pressure to feed a very hungry fan base?

Roberto Martinez: FA Cup win with Wigan showed what he is capable of, but relegation will hurt. With Everton he has an opportunity to set things right and upset the big boys on a more regular basis. How will he handle the step up a level with bigger expectations, especially after numerous relegation battles?

Malky Mackay: Has done wonders in the last few years with Cardiff, cup finals and play off finals show a real consistency. Now has a chance to pit his wits and prove himself in the Premier League. How will he deal with playing tougher opposition in the top flight? If they get a bad start will he struggle and even keep his job?

Dougie Freedman: In only his second season as a manager, took Bolton from 16th to missing play off’s by goal difference. He surprised many with his push up the league. Now he is no longer a surprise, can he live up to the pressure of following such a productive season, with expectations of promotion from the toughest league in the world to get out of?

Gianfranco Zola: Has turned Watford into a top footballing side and just missed out on promotion into the Premier League. Plays entertaining football but the pressure will be on to prove himself by getting his team into the Premier League. Can he make that rare transition of brilliant footballer to brilliant manager? Also, can he motivate players that are under constant scrutiny to perform due to his success as a player.