10 Under-the-Radar British Football Managers Set for Success in 2012-2013

There are always managers who perform better than we expect each season. There are also those that we simply don't think about; this can be for various reasons like a lack of media exposure.

This especially applies to those who coach outside of the Premier League. I think it's fair to say that the obvious example from the current season was Alan Pardew's success with Newcastle United.

But, there were others who may have received less media exposure.

Brian McDermott

Brian McDermott was another clear success story this season by guiding Reading to automatic promotion from the Championship. I think that it's fair to say that McDermott's team will be a credit to the Premier League next season.

With new ownership on board, I don't expect a season of struggle for them ahead. However, the one concern that I have is the future for the current Reading boss. But if the club stick by him, then they are set to prosper in the top flight.

Nigel Adkins

Nigel Adkins deserves an awful lot of success for taking Southampton from League One to the Premier League in two season. Southampton have decent resources to call on and will surely invest in the team again. But they already have some very handy players that will grace the Premier League.

Adkins can take the club on to the next level. The owners will reap the rewards by sticking by their man.

Ian Holloway

I don't think many people expected for Blackpool to reach the play-offs this season. But Ian Holloway has done a fantastic job of steadying that particular ship, despite the loss of several key players. Again, things will be up against Holloway next season.

I don't expect Blackpool to be installed as one of the favorites for promotion but don't be surprised if Holloway excels again in 2012-13.

However, it will slightly depend on how they react to losing the play-off final 2-1 to West Ham.   

Chris Powell

Chris Powell is one of the best young managers around and Charlton Athletic were fortunate that they found him when they did. Neverthless, as a newly promoted club, they will be tipped for a season of struggle.

But don't be surprised to see Charlton is the top half of the Championship table next season.

Gus Poyet

The Brighton boss enjoyed a good season in the Championship, guiding his team to 10th in the league table. 

Gus Poyet will be looking to kick off again next season. Success for Brighton might not be expected, but don't be surprised if it happens with Poyet in charge.

A charge for the play-offs in the 2012-13 season looks like a real possibility.

Simon Grayson

Simon Grayson did an excellent job at Huddersfield Town this season. A lot of the hard work had already been done for him by Lee Clark earlier in the season, but it was Grayson that finished the job superbly in the play-off final.

I thought he was harshly sacked as Leeds United manager. Grayson has a decent amount of experience in the Championship and will be well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

He may well revel at a club that will not be expecting immediate promotion to the Premier League.

Chris Hughton

It's a little bit unclear where Chris Hughton will be doing his job next season. Clearly, at the moment, he's managing Birmingham City. He did a fine job this season by guiding the club to a place in the play-offs this season.

However, he has been linked with the vacant job at West Brom. Nevertheless, if Hughton is managing at Birmingham, West Brom or elsewhere, he's set to do a fine job.

Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay has had a very useful first season in charge of Cardiff City. The Scot guided the club to the play-offs by finishing in sixth place.

It would have hurt him to have lost, but he will kick on again next season. It would be a surprise if Cardiff didn't enjoy another season at the sharp end of the Championship table.

Darren Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson's son has had a mixed managerial career so far but will be hoping to rise to the top of the game eventually. Darren Ferguson is currently in charge of Peterborough United—the place where he feels most and home and enjoyed success.

He did a good job this season in stabilizing the club in the Championship. So, the 2012-13 season looks like an interesting prospect. Don't be surprised if Peterborough turn out to be a surprise prospect in the Championship next season.    

Dougie Freedman

I have to admit that when Crystal Palace handed the job to Dougie Freedman. I though that they had made a mistake. But, it turns out that they knew what they were doing, and he has proved to be a top young manager.

He kept Crystal Palace in the Championship this season with some comfort and will be looking to progress further next season.

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