Known for his wheeling and dealing and getting the best out of the players he signs, Redknapp is regarded as one of the best managers to buy hidden gems. Although he's had his fair share of controversy surround him with alleged bungs and dubious transfer deals, Redknapp continues to confound critics with his Portsmouth team.
Keeping Portsmouth in the Premiership, and turning them into genuine Top Six contenders, ensures Harry Redknapp can sit happily in this list.
Sam Allardyce, Bolton
Although no longer at Bolton, Allardyce joins this list for his achievements at this most unfashionable of clubs. From guiding Bolton to the semi-final of the FA Cup in his second season to taking them into the Premiership in the 2001-02 season, Allardyce always over-achieved with his band of ragamuffin footballers.
Having perhaps an even better knowledge of budget buys than Harry Redknapp, Allardyce built his team on a shoestring budget. He was also known for bringing in players in the twilight of their careers and getting even more out of them—Ivan Campo is a prime example.
While never a team that would challenge for the title, the fact that Allardyce made Bolton a solid Premiership team who stood toe-to-toe with the big boys sees his name in this list of best Premiership managers.
Jose Mourinho, Chelsea
Sure, he had Roman Abramovich's millions to help him and sure, he was also able to sign some of the biggest names in world football because of it. Yet Mourinho still had to make sure these superstars gelled into a team, and he did this fantastically.
In his first season with Chelsea in 2004-05, Mourinho led them to the Premier League title as well as the League Cup. He went on to retain the Premier League the following year, and he added another League Cup as well as the FA Cup and Charity Shield.
Yet this wasn't enough for his Russian boss, who saw the Champions League as the Holy Grail.
Mourinho's failure to win the elite European competition, along with the alleged falling out with Abramovich over the signing of striker Andriy Shevchenko, meant his days at Chelsea were numbered.
After a mixed start to the 2007-08 campaign, Mourinho left Chelsea in September. However, history will show that he was Chelsea's most successful manager ever, with six trophies to his name.
His Chelsea side were also unbeaten at home under him, making Mourinho one of the best in the Premier League.
So there you have it—my choices for the best Premier League managers since the competition began. There are some big names missing from there—Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, for example. However, Benitez's continued failure to win the Premier League sees him discounted.
For the big three managers—Ferguson, Wenger and Mourinho—their achievements in the Premier League ensures their place here. Redknapp and Allardyce's success with limited budgets is the reason for their inclusion.
Do you agree with the managers listed here? Or would you have someone else included? I've listed my candidates—now it's over to you.
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