Sir Alex Ferguson or Ian Holloway: Who will be the LMA Manager of the year?

EPL, Sir Alex Ferguson

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Managerial rivals Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Holloway will go head to head on what is being dubbed Survival Sunday. Three points are at stake at Old Trafford for Manchester United and Blackpool but it’s not the only award the coaches are in contention for.

On Monday night the League Managers Association will announce their winner of the LMA award. Voted for by the managers themselves it has frequently been given to a boss who was worked wonders on a tight budget. Since the award was created in 1994 it has only been won the Premier League winning manager of that season on four occasions.

Premier League winning LMA Manger of the Year
1999 Sir Alex Ferguson
2002 Arsene Wenger
2004 Arsene Wenger
2008 Sir Alex Ferguson

Let’s take a look at two leading contenders for this year

Sir Alex Ferguson @ 1.36
A double winner of this award the Manchester United boss has cleaned up as the Premier League manager of the year on a mighty 11 occasions. He has just been named the 2010/11 Premier League boss of the year after leading the Red Devils to a record 19th title. Widely tipped to be LMA Manager of the year with William Hill pricing him at a short
Ian Holloway @ 3.50
The long time favourite for most of the season has seen his star slip along with Blackpool’s form. The Tangerines have clocked up some remarkable results but even a win at Old Trafford may not guarantee top flight action for another season. Adored the media for his witty press conferences the former QPR player has won many friends in his rookie Premier League campaign.

Verdict: Lots of punters backed Holloway when he was trading at evens or shorter. Keeping Blackpool up on won’t buy him any more votes as they have already been cast. Doubtful.

Elsewhere

Stoke City’s Tony Pulis @ 13.0 has value after leading the Potters to the FA Cup final and European football for next season. Not hugely popular with all rival Premier League managers due his side’s style of play which likely cost him some votes.

Liverpool’s Kenny Dalglish is another @ 13.0 but only took the job in January and has no chance. The same can be said for Roberto Mancini @ 17.0 despite leading Manchester City to the FA Cup and securing a Champions League spot. Alex McLeish @ LMA Manager of the year odds (William Hill)  
Sir Alex Ferguson @ 1.36
Ian Holloway @ 3.50
Tony Pulis @ 13.0
Kenny Dalglish @ 17.0
Roberto Mancini @ 17.0
Alex McLeish @ 26.0

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