THE Premier League is regarded as the best on the planet.

But while England hosts the worlds greatest football, there is a distinct lack of homegrown managers.

Just nine of the 20 top-flight sides are bossed by Englishmen and that number is threatening to plunge even further.

 

No10: Roy Hodgson
Veteran Hodgson is facing the toughest test of his career as he attempts to keep Fulham in the Premier League. Yet, the ex-Blackburn boss is admired throughout Europe for his work with the Finland and Switzerland national teams, as well as his stint with Italian giants Inter Milan.

 

No9: Sam Allardyce
Big Sam will be hungry for a return to football this summer after his ill-fated spell as Newcastle boss. Allardyce was fighting a losing battle at St James Park but his sterling work with Bolton should not be overshadowed. His years of over-achievement at the Reebok are now even more obvious given the clubs battle to avoid relegation.

 

No8: Stuart Baxter
Stuart who? Baxter is the current boss of the Finland national team after a successful career spent outside these shores apart from stint coaching the England Under-19s. One of Baxters greatest achievements is taking Swedish minnows AIK to the group stages of the Champions League.

 

 

 

No7: Steve McClaren
McClaren is hardly the most popular boss in England but it is unlikely he will be out of the game for much longer. It is often forgotten why the FA employed him in the first place his impressive achievements at Middlesbrough included taking the unglamorous Teesside outfit to the UEFA Cup final and victory in the 2004 Carling Cup final.

 

No6: Kevin Keegan
The Messiah has yet to weave his magic at Newcastle but the good times are threatening to return. Keegans tactical approach is questionable to say the least but his all-out attacking style is refreshing. And if one man knows what is required to lift Newcastle out of the doldrums, it is King Kev.

 

No5: Steve Bruce
After spending the first few years of his managerial career leaping between lower league clubs, Bruce has established himself as a Premier League boss. Following Birminghams return to the top flight last year, Bruce was forced out at St Andrews before working wonders with Wigan in their bid to avoid the drop.

 

No4: Alan Curbishley
The true test of Curbishley will come next season presuming West Ham finally put their injury nightmares behind them. After years preserving Charltons top-flight status on a shoestring budget, Curbs is now enjoying splashing the Hammers cash. His work in saving them from the drop last season must not be underestimated but can he battle with the big boys?

 

No3: Stuart Pearce
Is Psycho being primed as the next England boss? Fabio Capello was impressed enough to welcome Pearce as the only English coach in the new national team set-up. His work with the Under-21s has caught the eye after taking Manchester City to the verge of Europe.

 

No2: Steve Coppell
Coppell blew his chance to become a big name when he walked out of Manchester City in the mid-90s almost as soon as arriving. Yet, his success with Reading has reminded everyone of his managerial talents. Not many bosses could keep the unfashionable Royals in the Premier League while barely spending a penny.

 

No1: Harry Redknapp
Redknapp would have topped this list even without his upcoming Wembley date for the FA Cup final. The loveable East Ender has transformed Portsmouth from top-flight wannabes to European dreamers. And his ability to attract top-class stars such as Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra to Fratton Park tells you how highly the players regard him.