Ex-English Footballers Turned Managers

Some people have football in their DNA and, despite their best efforts, cannot stay away from the game. After building illustrious playing careers, many former professionals step away to explore different paths, ranging from media work and education to roles in administration across unrelated sectors such as finance, sport governance, or even industries like lotto operations, which require oversight and organisational expertise rather than sporting involvement. Despite this variety of post-playing careers, a significant number of ex-footballers eventually return to the sport in new capacities, most commonly through coaching or management.

There are a few ex-professional footballers in English football who have replicated their on-field successes in the world of management; however, it seems not long before we see triumph. To put things into perspective, it has been since the inaugural 1991/92 Premier League season that an Englishman has won the Premier League, when Howard Wilkinson led Leeds. In this article, we will explore some of the greatest English footballers who have become managers, reviewing their playing careers and their success on the touchline. 

Frank Lampard

The ex-Chelsea midfielder is in the early stages of his managerial career, and as of late, has shown major improvements. In terms of his playing career, Frank Lampard is widely considered one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of all time, with a unique ‘box-crashing’ ability that proved fruitful. Lampard provided on both ends of the field for Chelsea, contributing to a number of major trophies, and learning his trade from some of the best managers ever. Despite being most renowned for his time at Chelsea, Lampard came through the ranks at West-Ham United, where he gained valuable experience under Harry Redknapp. Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001, and the rest is history: he contributed to the club’s first Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, cementing his legacy.

As mentioned, Lampard played under some incredible footballing managers, which is believed to have influenced his managerial style to some extent. During his time at Chelsea, Lampard played under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, and others, some of whom are regarded as among the best of the Premier League era. 

Lampard began his managerial career with Derby County in the EFL Championship on a three-year deal. During his first year managing the Rams, Lampard employed a good style of play and found immediate success, including winning his first-ever game. After a season of strong performance, including the slaying of English giants, Manchester United, in the EFL Cup, Derby County reached the EFL Championship Play-Off Final. They played against Aston Villa in the final, who, despite Derby’s best efforts, won the tie 2-1.

Chelsea then appointed Lampard following his success, who, in his first year, led the club to a respectable fourth-place finish in the Premier League. In the following season, Lampard’s Chelsea side had heavy backing, with some notable signings brought in, and an attempt to win. However, after a run of 2 wins in 8 Premier League games, Lampard was fired by Chelsea. 

Fast-forward to today, after a rather disappointing spell at Everton and a caretaker role back at Chelsea, Lampard is currently managing Coventry City in the EFL Championship. At the time of writing this, Lampard’s Sky Blues top the league table, showcasing impressive displays in many games, scoring over 4 goals. Lampard and Coventry will be looking to continue their impressive form throughout the season and attempt to reach the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard

In his playing career, Steven Gerrard was an incredible central midfielder who is mostly remembered for his time at home-town club, Liverpool. Except for a 1-year stint at LA Galaxy, Gerrard spent his entire playing career for Liverpool, where he has earned a reputation as one of the club’s greatest ever players. At Liverpool, he was instrumental in some incredible success stories, including the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League, which was filled with drama.

Gerrard retired from professional football in 2016, and shortly after took up a managerial role in Liverpool’s youth set-up. He got his first professional managerial role in 2018, joining Scottish giants Rangers. During his tenure at Rangers, he took the club back to greatness, leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in his third season without suffering defeat. 

Following his success, Gerrard moved to Premier League side Aston Villa, succeeding Dean Smith. Although he arrived at the club as a winner, he could not replicate that success, leading to his dismissal from his role after finishing 14th in the Premier League.

Gerrard’s most recent managerial job was with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittifaq, and he currently remains out of work despite speculation for various vacant jobs.

Kevin Keegan

Kevin Keegan is perhaps the greatest English footballer ever, having transformed his talents from the pitch to the sidelines, playing for and managing a range of elite clubs. When it comes to his playing career, Kevin Keegan was part of a strict club of back-to-back Ballon d’Or winners. He is best remembered for his time at Liverpool, where he won the First Division title three times and the UEFA Cup twice, although he also had successful spells at other clubs of note. 

In his managerial career, Kevin Keegan returned to Newcastle United, where he had become a fan favourite in his playing days. He joined the club during a period of distress and immediately steadied the ship, avoiding relegation to the third tier of English football. At Newcastle, Keegan led the Northern side back to the top flight of English football. After leaving Newcastle United in 1997, Keegan managed clubs such as Fulham and Manchester City, where he replicated his success, earning promotion for both sides.