Manager of the Year

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Well, after the recent Player of the Year Awards, the gong for the manager of the year will probably go to Harry Redknapp. Just thought I’d get out of the way. (Please note the sarcasm)

Unlike the the PotY, the manager’s are probably easier to decide. A style of play, working from sparse resources and to still maintain a respectable or better, league standing are all attributes that must play a factor in this decision.

As far as individual candidates, Paul Lambert will definitely be one. Norwich, coming up from the Championship have shown a real grit and steel within their ranks, winning games comfortably, thus sitting in mid table. Some of their players have even been mooted with the England Euro’s squad ie Grant Holt, showing just how far they’ve come this season.

Another obvious contender is Brendon Rodgers. The Swansea manager has stablised the Welsh outfit in the comfort of midtable whilst playing a manner of football alien to many in the Premier league – commendation for that. The likes of Joe Allen and Leon Britton have particularly impressed, keeping the Swansea engine room continiously moving.

However, putting all bias aside there cannot be any arguement why Alan Pardew should be the manager of the year. Losing top players such as Barton, Carroll, Nolan and Enrique, and to replace them with young, hungry European players is always a risk – which paid off. All in a net spend that most of the league would be purring at. A team spirit and family like atmosphere has been instilled at the club, with the likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse and Ba all flourishing, Newcastle sit 4th (as i am writing) with an opportunity to break into a previously unheard of Champions League spot. Bright times ahead in black and white.

A special mention should go to Steve Kean, the much maligned Blackburn manager. You almost feel sorry for him in the way that he has been abandoned and protested against by his supposed fans, and acted in real dignity in maintaining them a chance of survival. Despite the loss of key players such as Chris Samba, he has more than held his own – taking the brunt of much of the supporters discontent. To be fair the supporters have had a reason to be disgruntled, but the point I’m making is that it is almost remarkable that Kean gets his players fighting week in week out for the cause – well, bar today.

But that’s just my take, what are your views?

Comments welcome