2. Mike Phelan (25/1 Stan James)
As a relatively local lad, Mike Phelan is an ideal replacement for Ronnie Moore. Although he’s never had any official experience as a manager. However, Phelan did spend 5 years learning from the best in the business, Sir Alex Ferguson, as his assistant. He’s also had non-playing roles at Norwich, Blackpool & Stockport as Gary Megson’s assistant. After being sacked at Stockport, he began at Manchester United, with a role in the academy. When Steve McClaren departed to Middlesbrough, Phelan was promoted to first team coach. Phelan was then promoted further, in September 2008, to assistant manager after the departure of Carlos Queiroz to Portugal. As assistant, he frequently spoke to the BBC, when Sir Alex refused to do it himself.
