(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
With another season in the EPL at the close, it's time to look at what managers got the job done this season, and which managers failed.
As with any list, this is strictly subjective, but primarily based on not only results, but whether the side each manager led achieved, overachieved, or underachieved this season.
Also, it's important to note this is not a lifetime achievement award (we will leave those to the PFA), but rather an honest assessment of each manager this season.
1. Roy Hodgson (Fulham)
This season has been a minor miracle for the Cottagers, as Hodgson has taken a team that avoided relegation by the slimmest of margins last season, to a seventh-place finish this season.
Brought in to save Fulham from sure relegation after the disastrous start of last season under Lawrie Sanchez (who ironically was brought in to save Fulham from relegation under Chris Coleman), Hodgson did just enough to save Fulham last season.
This season, he has exceeded everyone's expectations by producing a side that won 14 matches and lost only 13, gaining points in 25 matches this season.
Taking a side with only one true "elite" player (Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer) and a roster full of "B-level" Englishmen, Danes, and Americans, Hodgson has pulled off what nobody thought was even possible at the beginning of the season.
A spot in Europe for 2009-10.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
What can be said about Sir Alex that hasn't already been said?
Love him or hate him, all the winningest manager in English football history does is continue to win.
3. Guus Hiddink (Chelsea)
Caretaker manager extraordinaire, and he had the results to back it up this season.
Aside from the Champions League semifinal spot, Hiddink has claimed 34 of a possible 39 points in league play since taking the reigns from Scolari in early February.
While nothing more than a short-term fix for a side with the most managerial turnover in the EPL, Hiddink has proven that he could do the job that a former World Cup winner could not.
4. David Moyes (Everton)
While Liverpool remains the glamour team on Mersyside, all David Moyes' Everton side continue to do is meet and exceed expectations.
If anyone thought 2007-08 was a fluke, Moyes led his side back to fifth in the table again this season, cementing their place as the best "non big four" side in the EPL.
Also a place among F.A. Cup Champions awaits Moyes if his surging side can knock off mighty Chelsea.
At this time, the only thing Everton supporters need worry about is if their manager might leave for greener pastures.
5. Tony Pulis (Stoke City)
Perhaps no manager did a better job with the resources they had than the Welshman at No. 5.
Odds on favorites for relegation, Stoke was never in serious danger of the drop after Christmas, and amazingly find themselves finishing near mid-table.
One of the most remarkable managerial jobs of the season and while the records say they dropped five more games than they won, make no mistake this was a successful season for the Potters.
6. Rafael Benitez (Liverpool)
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