What makes the perfect football manager?

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What qualities does the manager of your club have that would make the cut? Let us know using the comment box below.

Shrewd: Wenger

Shrewd: Wenger
PRUDENCE

Arsene Wenger

They call him 'The Professor' for a reason, although his academic qualifications may only stretch to a degree in economics from Strasbourg University.

Wenger’s (right) stringent transfer policy and emphasis on youth built ‘The Invincibles’ side of 2003-4 and, although Arsenal may not be enjoying the best campaigns this season, Gunners fans should be proud that the club’s success has been built on firm financial foundations.

And that is down to Mr Wenger.
Pizazz: Mourinho

Pizazz: Mourinho
CHARISMA

Jose Mourinho

It can only be The Special One. He lit up the Premier League with sheer arrogance. His strutting, pouting, petulant, outspoken behaviour kept us all captivated but only because Mourinho backed it up with results on the pitch, even if the methodology wasn’t always pretty.

A Brian Clough for the 21st century – not bad for someone who started off in football as Sir Bobby Robson’s interpreter.
Don't mess with the Don: Fabio

Don't mess with the Don: Fabio
TACTICIAN

Fabio Capello

He’s shown himself to be a shrewd manager since he took over from the ‘Wally with the brolly’. The Italian has no regard for reputation and picks his squads on current form, not past glories. England might still have a long way to go but they’re winning the games that matter at the moment.

Incidentally, trying to think of a tactical master in the Premier League is hard. Rafa Benitez gets it right in Europe but often falls short on domestic duty. Phil Brown was spot on in the early stages of the season but has fallen off in recent months. Tony Pulis goes route one, Tony Mowbray takes the scenic option and Harry Redknapp just urges his strikers to ‘run around a bit’.
Down with the kids: Fergie

Down with the kids: Fergie
FATHER FIGURE

Sir Alex Ferguson

Old Trafford was always going to be the right place for Wayne Rooney when he decided he had outgrown Goodison Park.

Just look at the way Fergie nurtured Giggs’ career, handling all the peripherals and letting the Welshman concentrate on his football.
Newcastle United Football Club manager Sir Bobby Robson
SPORTSMANSHIP

Sir Bobby Robson

The first gentleman of football. Even at 75 and fighting cancer for the fifth time, his voice still quivers when he talks about the game he loves.
Mr Motivator: Special KK

Mr Motivator: Special KK
MAN MANAGEMENT

Kevin Keegan

Say what you like about Keegan’s ability to handle pressure or his tactical prowess.

But if there’s one boss you want slapping you on the back and telling you you’re the best in the business before you run out onto the pitch, it’s Keegan.
Gusto: Redknapp

Gusto: Redknapp
PASSION

Harry Redknapp

Whether you’re wild about Harry or think he’s a wheeler-dealing wide boy, you can’t fault his passion for the game.

It gets him into trouble sometimes, whether it’s getting too enthusiastic about a player from another club or letting off steam about a Darren Bent miss, but his heart’s in the right place.
Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn manager
BULLISHNESS

Sam Allardyce

Big Sam doesn’t mess about and you want that in a manager – flimsiness just doesn’t cut it at the top level.

Fighting spirit: Moyes
TEAM SPIRIT

David Moyes

Victor Anichebe aside, Moyes (right) ensures Everton play for each other and there is no room for egos. Steve Bruce is fostering a similar ethos at Wigan and Roy Hodgson also runs a tight ship at Fulham.
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill
COMMUNICATION

Martin O’Neill

The seriousness with which he discusses a passage of play would lead you to think he was talking about a military manoeuvre if you just went by his tone of voice. It’s paying dividends at Villa Park.
Gianfranco Zola, West Ham manager
LIKEABILITY

Gianfranco Zola


Premier League management at West Ham doesn’t seem to have dented the Sardinian’s famous smile.


PLAYING TALENT

Kenny Dalglish

The first person to win the league as a player-manager, Dalglish lead Liverpool to the Double in 1986.

‘It didn't make any difference to the team that Kenny managed us as well as played,’ said Mark Lawrenson. ‘He was still undeniably our best player.’
Happy couple: Dalglish (left) and Lawrenson pose with 1986's League trophy and FA Cup

Happy couple: Dalglish (left) and Lawrenson pose with 1986's League trophy and FA Cup

Although, as we have seen this season through the examples of Tony Adams, Paul Ince and Roy Keane, the best players do not necessarily make the best bosses.