No10: Martin Jol (Tottenham)

The Dutchman took charge at White Hart Lane just five months after arriving as Jacques Santini’s No2 in 2004. Jol soon embarked on his mission to challenge North London enemies Arsenal for a top-four spot. They narrowly missed out on two occasions but Jol turned his side into serious contenders with signings like Dimitar Berbatov. Fans were aghast when he was sacked last season.

No9: Sven Goran Eriksson (Manchester City)

The Swede may not have been to Thaksin Shinawatra’s taste but he certainly beefed up City during his rollercoaster season. Eriksson made a number of astute signings last summer – notably Martin Petrov, Vedran Corluka and Elano – that should all still feature under new boss Mark Hughes. City fans may cringe at the 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough but they did do the double over arch-rivals United.

No8: Claudio Ranieri (Chelsea)

The Tinkerman was never going to last once Roman Abramovich parked up at Stamford Bridge and his eventual sacking was difficult to defend after four seasons without a trophy. In the Italian’s first season they even finished below Ipswich but by the end of his reign Ranieri had steered them to second place in the Premier League and an agonising exit in the Champions League semi-finals.

No7: Juande Ramos (Tottenham)

Spurs waited nine years for a trophy but Ramos took just four months to fix that problem when he guided them to the Carling Cup. The Spaniard could easily shoot up this list given time to further stamp his influence at White Hart Lane but it remains to be seen whether he can transform them into a top-four side. Fans will be excited by his previous achievements at Seville.

No6: Gianluca Vialli (Chelsea)

Chelsea fans were astonished when Vialli was shown the door at Stamford Bridge in the pre-Abramovich era. Taking over from Ruud Gullit midway through the 1998-99 season, the Italian player-boss started his managerial with a bang by bagging a Cup Winners’ Cup and League Cup double. The FA Cup and European Super Cup followed but the shaven-headed star was booted out in 2000.

No5: Avram Grant (Chelsea)

Another chapter in Chelsea’s story of hiring and firing. Grant stepped up after the departure of Jose Mourinho in September but was immediately written off for his lack of experience at the highest level. The Israeli confounded his critics by taking the Premier League title race down to the final day. And if John Terry’s penalty had been six inches to the left, he would now be a Champions League winner.

No4: Gerard Houllier (Liverpool)

The Frenchman, who was once a schoolteacher in Liverpool, became a hero of the city when he guided them to a trio of trophies in 2001 – the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. But rather than push on, Houllier’s poor signings left them unable to challenge for the title. Although fondly remembered, his achievements were soon dwarfed by his successor.

No3: Rafa Benitez (Liverpool)

Tasked with turning Liverpool into a major force again, Benitez wasted no time by delivering a shock Champions League triumph in 2005. The FA Cup was secured a year later thanks to an equally thrilling encounter with West Ham. And in 2007 the Spaniard took the Reds to another Champions League final but this time Milan got the better of them. Crucially, success in the league is yet to arrive.

No2: Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)

Scolari may now be the toast of Stamford Bridge but the ghost of Mourinho still lurks in the same corner of West London. When Abramovich demanded the Premier League trophy, he turned to the eccentric Portuguese. Mourinho duly delivered two consecutive titles but the Champions League remained agonisingly out of grasp. Chelsea fans will keep a close eye on his work at Inter Milan.

No1: Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

It is now almost a dozen years since the Frenchman arrived in North London to change the Gunners forever. After beginning his quest to swap Arsenal’s ageing homegrown heroes with young overseas stars, Wenger set about winning trophies. An incredible Double was delivered in 1998, followed by two more titles and three further FA Cups. Arsenal also came within 14 minutes of winning the Champions League two years ago.