At almost the halfway point of the Premier League season it has been interesting to see how certain managers have risen above the rest, in terms of what they can get out of their players. Someone who typifies this more than anyone is Blackpool boss Ian Holloway.
The former QPR boss has made a fantastic start to life in the Premier League, when all the critics believed that Tangerines would be torn apart in every game this season.
That certainly has not been the case and Blackpool (2/5 to stay up) currently sit in tenth in the Premier League, after defying all odds last season with promotion from the Championship.
Holloway is renowned for his quirky interviews and the passion he clearly has for football is infectious and has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League.
However, it’s the team’s attacking style of play that has endeared them to so many football fans.
The attitude that we don’t care if we are playing Manchester United at Old Trafford or Liverpool at Anfield, we are going to have a go and try to get all three points from every game has been excellent.
Holloway has had such a limited budget to work with at Bloomfield Road, but he has been able to give the players he has got the belief to fear nobody.
So far this tactic has worked this season and it would not be surprising if we were all talking about Holloway and Blackpool in their second season in the Premier League next year.
Another manager who has been able to get the most out of his limited resources is Roberto Di Matteo.
Despite being relatively new to the managing side of the game, compared to the veterans like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson, he has already developed a strong management style that appears to be working down at the Hawthorns.
West Brom (7/1 to be relegated) are 11th in the Premier League and have recorded some impressive wins - including an outstanding 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for the Baggies when they were hammered 6-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the opening game of the season.
However, Di Matteo has managed to get results in the top flight whilst continuing the attractive football that, in the past, cost them a place in the Premier League.
The Italian has added a bit of steal to their style of play and with the signing of Peter Odemwingie, West Brom have given many teams a run for their money this season and they should avoid relegation next year.
A manager who has been able to convert a side from a team renowned for playing long ball football to a team who get the ball in the deck and create plenty of chances, is Owen Coyle at Bolton Wanderers.
Since arriving at the Reebok Stadium from local rivals Burnley, Coyle has changed the philosophy at the club.
This was not something that has happened overnight, but it is clear to see that the standard of football the Whites (11/2 to finish in the top six) are playing has improved greatly.
Coyle has managed to get the best out of the likes of Johan Elmander and Stuart Holden, who have helped the Trotters reach seventh place and keep alive their European hopes.
Bolton really have the potential to challenge for a top six finish this season, largely due a very good and highly-rated manager at the helm.
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