Top 25 North managers

Jul 17 2011 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

OF all the categories covered in this mammoth exercise, picking the top managers and goalies has undoubtedly proved the toughest.

Not only did they provide the most difficult calls at the top (how to choose between the man responsible for the greatest FA Cup moment in North East history and the last boss to conquer Europe), but they also provided a unique challenge further down the list.

For while thousands of defenders, midfielders and strikers have plied their trade on our patch, only a select few have occupied these two specialist positions. That meant we had to narrow the field to 25 apiece, and allowed for some left field, although still deserving, candidates.

When it comes to managers, we have to face facts – there have been too many charlatans, bluffers and incompetents in our dug outs. Indeed so few have succeeded that tough choices had to be made further down the list – not least the inclusion of a current Carlisle boss who would himself admit he has much still to learn. Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, those two old Saipan adversaries, both make it in too but Kenny Dalglish does not.

Despite some impressive stats he is largely unloved at St James’ Park for ripping up the Entertainers blueprint. That is probably the most contentious call of the lot.

But we’ve had some greats too, and it says much that three of the finest still linger in the memory. Kevin Keegan belonged to Tyneside, Peter Reid to Wearside – but the great Sir Bobby Robson belonged to every single North football fan.

Only his lack of silverware – and he came mighty close – prevents him from soaring to top spot. Had we taken into account achievements outside the area, he would have walked it.

25: David Hodgson (Darlington 96-2000 & 2003-06)

A fine player, he also served the Quakers with distinction when he took over for two spells as manager.

The cold, hard truth is that success is relative at Darlington and his third division play-off final appearance is one of the better achievements in the club’s history.

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