Rafa not in top 5 Premier League bosses and that’s a fact

The Premier League is as big as it is in no small part to Sir Alex Ferguson whose Manchester United side dominated the league from its onset in 1992.

It would be ridiculous to claim that any other Premier League manager can rival Fergie’s ability or success, so we won’t, but the remaining men in our top 5 might raise a few eyebrows.

Read on and let us know if you agree with the managers selected.

5 – Kenny Dalglish – Blackburn, Newcastle, Liverpool

While his recent stint at Anfield is best forgotten Kenny is still a legend in Liverpool but his crowning Premier League moment came at the helm of Blackburn Rovers in 1995.

Dalglish took charge at Ewood Park when Rovers were a struggling Second Division outfit but turned them into English champions in just three years.

Critics point to his transfer funds but in truth, aside from the £8.5m used to acquire Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, the squad was not that expensive.

Rovers remain the only side other than Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal to have ever lifted the Premier League trophy.

4 – Tony Pulis – Stoke City, Crystal Palace

Foreign football stars are often accused of not being able to perform “on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke” and this is as much a testament to Pulis’ reign as it is a slight on the city itself.

The Welshman may only have an FA Cup runners-up medal to show for his time at the Britannia but Pulis’ direct style of play, built on a staunch defence has made the stadium one of the toughest places to visit in the Premier League.

The deafening crowd only got louder as Pulis delivered mid-table finish after mid-table finish to establish the Potters as a credible top-flight force.

3 – Jose Mourinho – Chelsea

A breath of fresh air when he first arrived at Stamford Bridge – and not just because he was a journo’s wet dream – the ‘Special One’ freshened things up and took the challenge to Ferguson.

His uncanny ability to remain undefeated at home – a trait he took to Inter Milan and Real Madrid – helped him take the Blues to two Premier League crowns, one FA Cup, two League Cups and within a John Terry slip of the big one.

A two-time Manager of the Season, Mourinho is back in charge at Chelsea and threatening to deliver the goods once again.

2 – Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Wenger gets the nod for overseeing some of the most attractive football in Premier League history, guiding an unbeaten team to the title and running the tightest of tight ships at the Emirates.

Wenger refuses to play the mega-money games of his rivals, making few concessions to land genuinely world class players, and has not had the success his teams have deserved.

That said three Premier League wins, five FA Cup triumphs and three Manager of the Season awards highlight the Frenchman’s ability and his unwavering loyalty stand him apart from others around him.

1 – Sir Alex Ferguson – Manchester United

No surprises so see Fergie at number one. A haul of 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues and a clutch of other gongs tell their own tale.

Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford hell bent with knocking Liverpool “off their bloody perch” and quickly set about rebuilding the youth set up.

The famed class of 92 followed with the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neviile forming the basis of a team that would dominate for years to come.

Ferguson’s achievements will probably never be surpassed and his impact was highlighted when United dropped to seventh soon after his departure.

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