1: Bill Shankly
Has to be for me, the best ever, obviously bias, but all Liverpool supporters are going to put Shanks or Bob, depending on their priorities. Shankly took over a Liverpool side (in the second division) which was hardly going places. Melwood was in a poor state of affairs and Liverpool needed something special to turn the situation around. Shanks came in and changed the whole phiolosphy, rebuilt the team, renovated Melwood, and in turn brought Liverpool success. Shanks won 3 league championships, was 2nd twice, won 1 UEFA Cup and a European Cup winners Cup. Not a massive amount of leagues, no champions league, but he built a Liverpool side from nothing and with little funds. Simply, Liverpool would not be where we are now without Shankly.
2. Bob Paisley
Again, a lot of reds fans would say Paisley is the best ever. An old Liverpool saying is, 'Shanks built a great side, Paisley had success with it'. Although Paisley came in and was sensational for Liverpool. He played his whole career at Liverpool and eventually became manager (although he was reluctant to). His record speaks for itself really, 6 league championships, 3 European cups, 1 UEFA cup, 1 FA cup, 3 League cups, 1 Super cup, 4 Charity shields, and he was runner up in these competitions numerous times. Bob Paisley certainly does not get the credit he deserves, an absolute Liverpool legend.
3. Brian Clough
This guy is certainly one of the best ever. From the same era of Shanks and Bob, and they all had massive mutual respect for eachother, and right so. He led Derby County from a the middle of division 2, to division 1 champions. However, his most notable success came at Nottingham Forest. Cloughie, as he is affectionately known, won promotion in his 2nd season as Forest manager, and won the league cup, and the league in his first season in the first division. An absolute legend of a manager, and his charisma and outspoken comments made him a real media and public favourite.
4. Alex Ferguson
As much as I hate the man, he is one of the best managers ever. Well up there with the best, and after great success with St Mirren and Aberdeen in Scotland he transformed Manchester United into one of the best teams, and clubs in the world. Even during transitional phases, United continuously win silverware. Everyone respects this guy, even the most bitter Liverpool and City fans, and rightly so. An absolute legend of a manager.
5. Rinus Michels
A revolutionary manager. The creator of 'total football' and the offside trap, simply, one of the most intelligent managers ever. He achieved great success with Ajax, and did well at Barcelona alongside Johan Cruyff. Unfortunately his Holland side were beaten in the World cup final '74 but he showcased his total football yet again with his native country and 1988 he won the Euro Championships. A legend of the game and is aspired by many, including Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger and Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Will add to this list when I can be arsed, in no particular order by the way, just some of the best ever managers in world football.
