Russell Slade has twice led clubs to play-off finals in establishing a reputation for making the most of limited resources.

Slade, who is acknowledged as a developer of young talent, emerged from a backroom role as caretaker boss of Notts County in September, 1994. He remained under new manager Howard Kendall before both were sacked the following year.

The pair teamed up again at Sheffield United where Russell was to gain further experience of being in temporary charge.

His first full-scale appointment was at Scarborough in 2001. At the time, the Seadogs were bottom of the Conference but Slade catapulted them to 12th place after an extaordinary revival which yielded 39 points from 19 games.

The resurgence continued as Scarborough climbed to fourth by the middle of the following season. But the club went into administration and Slade resigned.

Although he was persuaded by fans to return, the impetus was lost and Boro finished seventh, albeit a creditable position in such dire circumstances.

Remarkably, Slade inspired a momentous FA Cup run the following season which climaxed in a home tie with Chelsea. His players did him proud, losing by the only goal of the game.

Slade moved on to Grimsby in 2004, stabilising them in mid-table before launching a promotion challenge. They finished fourth and lost in the play-off final to Cheltenham.

A contract stalemate at Blundell Park led to Slade performing a similar job for Yeovil, an unfancied League One outfit. To widespread surprise, he led the Somerset club to a fifth place finish - the club's highest ever league position. Yeovil then defeated Nottingham Forest in the play-offs before dipping to Blackpool in the final.

After the successful season, Russell received the League One manager of the year award.

He left Yeovil in February, 2009, despite having won the previous four matches.

Slade was then appointed manager of Brighton & Hove Albion on 6 March 2009.

He enjoyed immediate success by ensuring they avoided relegation from Coca-Cola League One before Slade and Brighton parted company in November 2009.