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Top 10 Best English Managers in Football - 2025 (Ranked)

Summary
As the world of football is growing, English managers are making their mark on the international level, showcasing competitiveness and a blend of tactical and managerial skills. This ranking of the top 10 best English managers in the world celebrates those who have risen above challenges, blending conventional strategies with a modern approach to leave a lasting impact. From Premier League triumphs to international success, these coaches are redefining what it means to be an English manager in today’s game. Right from Newcastle United’s long-term manager, Eddie Howe, to the likes of Sean Dyche and Gareth Southgate, who have been around for years, English football today has some of the best managers in the world on offer.
After going through this article, you will be able to debate with your so-called football pundits and fans about who the best English managers are right now. You will have a detailed introduction of each and every manager with their stats and figures. We will first deal with the ranking factors that have been used to create this list, with each name representing a unique story of victory and ambition. As the football world watches closely, these managers are not just shaping their teams but also the future of English coaching. From gritty survival specialists to visionary tacticians, the countdown is on to discover who stands at the pinnacle of this list of the best English managers in 2025.
List of Best Current English Managers
Based on several ranking factors, we've compiled this list of the best English managers in 2025.
Rank | Name | Club | League | Trophies Won | Win Ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | Gary O’Neil | Unemployed | N/A | None | 25.00% |
9 | Kieran McKenna | Ipswich Town | EFL Championship | None | 26.19% |
8 | Rob Edwards | Middlesbrough | EFL Championship | None | 33.33% |
7 | Sean Dyche | Unemployed | N/A | None | 36.84% |
6 | Graham Potter | West Ham | Premier League | None | 39.47% |
5 | Mark Robins | Stoke City | EFL Championship | None | 45.00% |
4 | Michael Carrick | Unemployed | N/A | None | 48.98% |
3 | Will Still | Southampton | EFL Championship | None | 52.70% |
2 | Gareth Southgate | Unemployed | N/A | None | - |
1 | Eddie Howe | Newcastle United | Premier League | Carabao Cup 2024–25 | 66.66% |
How We Ranked the Best English Football Managers Currently
Trophies Won: The primary factor we considered while ranking these managers on our list of best English managers currently was the trophies won by them. Trophies or achievements play a key role in identifying and filtering the best from the rest.
Impact on Players: The second parameter that was considered while compiling this list of the best current English managers was their impact on players.
Win Ratio: The third ranking factor that we've considered while making this list of the best English managers was the win ratio of these managers (recently concluded). Stats were taken from Transfermarkt to calculate the win ratios of these managers.
Who are the Best English Managers Now?
Although there have been numerous managers hailing from England, some have etched their names in the annals of football, while some gone lost in history. Let's not waste any more time and take a look at the ten best English managers in 2025.
10. Gary O’Neil (42)

O’Neil has proven his worth as a manager who was able to promote Bournemouth first, which itself was a hard task, and with Wolverhampton, he managed to keep the club in the Premier League despite constantly struggling with finances. Wolverhampton initially struggled this season, but they are now out of the relegation zone and have another season to prove themselves.
Wolverhampton was a team with a defensive approach earlier, but now this team is capable of handling teams like Manchester City and Liverpool with a winning mentality, and not with a survival mentality. With a 25% win ratio, O’Neil’s overachievement in the Premier League earns him a high ranking. He lacks trophies, but his pragmatic approach keeps him ahead of Robins.
Games Managed | 18 |
---|---|
Goals | 28 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Ratio | 25% |
9. Kieran McKenna

McKenna has done something that many managers aspire to achieve with Ipswich – a small club- he has made history by getting promoted to the top division of English football. His first Premier League season in 2024-25 has been challenging, but his attacking philosophy has earned widespread praise; in other words, the team does not like to sit back and defend rather tries to make attacks. Unfortunately, Ipswich will be relegated at the end of the season.
The manager’s aggressive mentality is visible as he goes for the win every time, whether it’s a mid-table team or a top-table team. This ranks him at number nine in our list of top English managers currently.
Games Managed | 42 |
---|---|
Goals | 52 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Percentage | 26.19% |
7. Rob Edwards (42)

Rob Edwards has already been handed over the status of “Legend” by the fans of Luton Town. He took a non-league team to the Premier League between 2014-2024. But unfortunately, they went back to the second division, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. His man-management has united a squad with limited resources, earning Luton respect in the Premier League.
Rob Edwards, with his 33.33% reflects his overachievement with Luton, which is very impressive if you look from a neutral fan perspective. While he has no major trophies, his journey from non-league to the Premier League highlights his managerial skills.
Games Managed | 27 |
---|---|
Goals | 29 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Ratio | 33.33% |
7. Sean Dyche (54)

Sean Dyche must be nicknamed a survival expert. The manager has kept the team in the Premier League since 2023, giving the players an additional boost to perform and do something unexpected in the first division of English football. Despite points deductions and financial turmoil, in 2025, he continues to navigate Everton through a challenging takeover period, ensuring their top-flight status. He has been brought in as a survival expert by multiple teams in the past. Who does not remember his expert job in keeping Burnley in the league a couple of years ago?
Dyche likes his team to play in a low block, relying largely on counterattacks. That, of course, is also down to how Dyche has largely managed minnows during his entire career. A 36.8% win ratio and no major trophies reflect his focus on survival rather than silverware as of now, with the given club conditions. However, his consistent Premier League presence and ability to manage under pressure secure his spot in the top 10.
Games Managed | 21 |
---|---|
Goals | 24 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Ratio | 36.84% |
6. Graham Potter (50)

A ‘Potter head” will never forget his stint with Brighton Hove Albion. But his reputation as a tactical innovator remains strong. Potter has earned high praise from stalwarts such as Pep Guardiola, but may need a resurgence in the coming time. He emphasizes possession, positional play, and versatility. His ability to improve players and implement a progressive style has made him a sought-after manager.
The manager is currently out of work and looking for other clubs to hire him. Despite a 39.47% win ratio and no major trophies, Potter’s tactical influence and potential for future roles place him high. His Brighton legacy outweighs the lack of silverware, ranking him above active managers like McKenna. Although the manager has struggled in recent seasons, he remains one of the best English football managers.
Games Managed | 19 |
---|---|
Goals | 23 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Percentage | 39.47% |
5. Mark Robins (55)

Mark Robins has done some impossible things last season, leading Coventry to the Championship play-offs multiple times and nearly reaching the FA Cup final in 2024 after a dramatic semi-final against Manchester United. In 2025, he’s pushing for promotion again, and this time, he looks promising. He is kind of a balanced manager who focuses on defense as well as on the attack.
His ability to overachieve with limited resources makes him one of the best English managers. A 45% win ratio reflects his steady success with Stoke City. While he hasn’t won major trophies, his longevity and impact at Coventry place him above Dyche, though his league level means he only deserves a place in the ninth spot.
Games Managed | 40 |
---|---|
Goals | 49 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Ratio | 45% |
4. Michael Carrick (44)

Carrick took over Middlesbrough in 2022, turning them from relegation candidates into play-off contenders in his first season. By 2025, he’s pushing for another play-off spot, having also reached the League Cup semi-finals in 2023-24. This stat was enough to prove that he deserved to be on the list of the best English managers now.
His calm behavior and focus on youth development to create a homegrown team have reimagined the English side Middlesbrough, making them a competitive Championship side. With Carrick in charge, fans have hopes that their side will make it into the top tier.
Games Managed | 49 |
---|---|
Goals | 67 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Percentage | 48.98% |
3. Will Still (32)

Born in Belgium but of English descent, he has made waves in Ligue 1 with Reims and Lens, first with an 18-match unbeaten run at Reims in 2022-23, and now pushing Lens toward European qualification in 2025. His international success highlights the growing global influence of English coaches. The never-give-up attitude makes him one of the best English football managers
The manager focuses more on high-pressure games and quick transitions from behind. His ability to overachieve with mid-tier clubs has earned him a strong reputation. He is ranked above Rob Edwards due to his 52.70% win ratio and his international stint, which ranks him above Edwards. While he lacks trophies, his impact in Ligue 1 and potential for bigger roles make him a standout English manager.
Games Managed | 37 |
---|---|
Goals | 48 |
Total Trophies | 0 |
Win Percentage | 52.70% |
2. Gareth Southgate (54)

One of the best English managers under his tenure as the coach of the England National Team, he worked really great, but in the end, he has no silverware in his name. (2016-2024) Marked a golden era, with two consecutive European Championship finals (2020, 2024) and a 2018 World Cup semi-final. The best run for England after the 1960s.
Southgate prioritized defensive stability while fostering a strong team culture. His emphasis on youth development and mental preparation revitalized England’s international standing. However, his lack of recent club experience and no major trophies slightly lower his ranking behind Howe.
Games Managed | - |
---|---|
Goals | - |
Total Trophies | - |
Win Percentage | - |
1. Eddie Howe (47)

The English Manager has done something unexpected with Newcastle United by making them win the Carabao Cup and a trophy for Newcastle after a long wait. The first major trophy won by an English manager since 2008. Since taking over in 2021, he’s transformed Newcastle from relegation candidates into a European contender, showcasing his ability to manage a high-pressure, well-funded club.
With a 66.66% win ratio and a major trophy, Howe stands out among English managers. His success in the Premier League, where he’s the only English manager to win a major honor recently, cements his top spot. His focus on player development and team cohesion has elevated Newcastle’s squad, making them a consistent top-six side in the Premier League.
Games Managed | 48 |
---|---|
Goals | 92 |
Total Trophies | 1 |
Win Percentage | 66.66% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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