NipHolmes said:
Look at Capello's record.
De Bosque has a great record and has WC and Euro as well as club.
Clough matahced Ferguson in Europe.
Paisley I've said.
The difference is these guys didn't stay in a job for two decades, what I find staggering is how they have matched Ferguson in Europe in a shorter time and you can say United were 'lucky' in both finals, if it were not for a couple of last gasp goals and a missed Terry penalty then it's two more runner ups.
Ferguson is without doubt a great manager, one of the greatest I've witnessed but he isn't the best of all time like the media will claim. The best try in different environments which Ferguson didn't do. Ferguson by his own admission didn't do that well in Europe, to be the best you have to excel in that department too.
There are no real stipulations and criteria for the worth and class of a manager and it comes down to opinions and individual assessments but one thing that may be used, as you said, is trophy wins.Ferguson has not dominated in Europe but he has dominated England for the past 20 years. I am of the opinion that longevity, stability and constant maintenance of a high standard is a great positive and an indication of great success, perhaps should be another criterion. The fact that he stayed as long as he did in one club, whilst attaining a threshold of success and beating off rivals like Wenger, Mourinho, Keegan and the others can be estimated by some as being as impressive as winning any European trophy. It isn't though but you have to look at the whole package.
I know its not a good thing to say, but personally I believe he is the greatest manager of all time.But that just my fair and balanced opinion and everybody is entitled to theirs.
