Avram Grant has aqcuried a reputation for being a nice guy amongst his peers but a tad grumpy when faced by the media, especially in the wake of the barrage of criticism he has been receiving recently.
His moody and understated press conference after the Everton game yesterday only served to confirm the fact that the otherwise likeable Israeli is starting to show the strain of a tense season finale.
Much of the scepticism over his reign has been regarding the perceived struggle he has had to motivate his players, a point demonstrated against Wigan on Monday and at Goodison Park too, despite the victory.
So we thought we would try and cheer old Avram up by taking a look at the Premiership’s more animated coaches.
10. Neil “Have An Opinion” WarnockHe may have only been in the Premiership for one season but that was more than enough to see the outspoken coach break into the top 10.
Don’t mention West Ham, Rafa Benitez or weakened teams to the ex-Blade, in fact it is probably best to say as little as possible.
9. Joe “Crazy Gang” Kinnear
The Irishman led Wimbledon to 6th place in the league, their best Premiership finish, on a small transfer budget.
He had a fair few public spats along the way though, angering fans of Oxford, Plymouth and Sheffield United with his conduct and a certain number 10 in our list
8. Arsene “I Didn’t See It” Wenger
The beautiful game never looked quite as glorious as when Wenger’s team was in full flow. He may not have seen any penalty decision against his team during his tenure but he got the best out of some of his more unfashionable players, including a misfiring winger by the name of Thierry Henry. As demonstrated here…
7. Martin “Yes But No But” O’Neill
He is Deadly Doug’s only survivor but more fondly remembered for pounding the turf at Filbert Street.
He led Leicester City to league cup victories in 1997 and 2000, galvanising a hard-working team.
O’Neill has been often touted for the post of England manager, a chance that may yet recur.
6. Gordon “Fiery” Strachan
No post-match interview was ever the same once Strachan left the Premiership and moved north of the border. The fitness fanatic could be difficult, hilarious and damning all at once but a firm favourite with supporters where ever he has managed.
5. Delia “Let’s be ‘avin you” Smith
Fed up with seeing her beloved Norwich team being battered with 11 men, cookery queen Delia pleads with the fans for a 12th man to inspire the team to avoid relegation. Her cries of “where are you” are met with little more than an embarrassed murmur as she staggers off. Quite simply hilarious.
4. Jose “The Special One” Mourihno
No motivational speakers list would be just without the enigmatic Mourihno who would always “cinc” and never “think”.
He was a breath of fresh air to the Premiership and Chelsea, helping them to two titles and entertaining football fans across the globe in the process.
3. Harry “You Know” Redknapp
Harry “Houdini” – the master of the great escape, wheeling and dealing and saying “you know” every other word. Redknapp worked miracles at West Ham in the Premiership’s early years and continues to do so now at Portsmouth. His brief interlude with Southampton was surreal to say the least but he returned to Fratton Park and saved Pompey’s top flight status.
And perhaps this year he will finally lift the FA Cup? Only if his strikers are more on target…
2. Sir Alex “Hairdryer Treatment” Ferguson
Fergie kicks boots, throws cups, plates, hairdryers and probably players if you believe everything you read.
Regardless of whether he rants or not, his relentless trail of the Premiership crown plus success domestically and on the continent is to be admired and no-one is better at enabling players to reach their potential.
Cross him though and prepare to get burnt.
1. Kevin “I Will Love It” Keegan
Mr Motivator himself, there is method behind the madness of the Geordies christening him the Messiah. He coaches with the passion he played with, kicks every ball and encourages his team to attack with flair and penetration.
His infectious enthusiasm endears him to the heart of the nation; he loves it and so do we…
April 20, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Great article here!! It isn’t suprising to see that 8 out the 10 are from the british isles. Us brits might not have a tactical genius of Mourinho or play the game as ‘beautifully’ as Arsene would like, but we make up for that with pure grit, determination and motivation!! Although that doesn’t seem to be enough on the international stage for us.