Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) The Scot's achievements are second to none. In his 22 years with United, he has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of the English game, including 10 Premier League titles and two European Cups. He cut his teeth in Scotland with St Mirren and Aberdeen, winning three league titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup with the Dons.

Fabio Capello (England) Capello has won the the domestic league title with every club he has managed - AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus - and also won the European Cup with Milan in 1994. The Italian has taken England to the brink of World Cup qualification with half the campaign still to play.

Guus Hiddink (Russia and Chelsea) The Dutchman has achieved notable success on both the club and international scene. In two spells with PSV Eindhoven he won six Eredivisie titles and a European Cup while he also took Holland to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998. He then forged a reputation for success with unfancied countries, notably guiding South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002. In his temporary spell at Chelsea, he has already won a Champions League quarter-final and an FA Cup semi-final.

Marcello Lippi (Italy) Lippi enjoyed a trophy-filled spell in two spells as manager of Juventus, winning Serie A five times and reaching the European Cup final four times, triumphing on one occasion. He really cemented his reputation by guiding Italy to World Cup success in 2006 and has since returned to the post.

Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan) The self-styled 'Special One' has the stats to back up his arrogance. He led unfancied Porto to European Cup glory in 2004 having won the UEFA Cup the previous season and then turned Chelsea's money into trophies - two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups to be precise. Seems certain to win Serie A in his first season as Inter coach.

Martin O'Neill (Aston Villa) O'Neill is regarded as one of the most sought-after managers in the Premier League. After taking Wycombe into the Football League for the first time in their history, he helped Leicester become established as a top-flight club and won two League Cups. He won three Scottish Premier League titles in five years at Celtic and took the club to the UEFA Cup final. Has established Villa as challengers to the top four.