'He showed why good managers need time' - who are this season's over-achievers?

The League Managers Association holds annual awards recognizing achievements across men’s and women’s football. Premier League divisional awards often go to the manager who finishes top of the table, with only a few exceptions since 1993. Arsenal and Manchester City are identified as the standout teams, and their managers are expected to contend for individual honors. Keith Andrews at Brentford is highlighted for an exceptional first season, overcoming expectations of relegation and narrowly missing European qualification. Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth is credited for achieving European qualification and building momentum despite consistently selling key players, with progress extending beyond a single season.

"The League Managers Association (LMA) holds its annual awards dinner on Tuesday, recognising achievements across the men's and women's game. For me, there are several names that stand out. In the Premier League, the divisional award invariably goes to the manager who has finished top of the table - since the awards started in 1993 there have only been four occasions when it hasn't, which is why I was especially proud when one of them was me."

"This season, Arsenal and Manchester City have been the two outstanding teams and I am sure Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola will have a great run at this prestigious individual award to go with their team's impressive campaigns. Take a look below them, however, and there are more managers worth a mention."

"What Keith Andrews has achieved at Brentford, in his first season as a manager, is amazing. The Bees were many people's favourites to get relegated at the start of the campaign and Keith was top of the bookmaker's list to be the first manager to be sacked - but came within a whisker of securing European qualification for the first time."

"That prize was achieved by Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, who was close to a Champions League place but ended up in the Europa League. Iraola has managed my old club since 2023 and, despite having to consistently sell his best players during that period, he has put together a team that has gained momentum, not lost it. His success is not just in a one-off season - instead"

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