Congratulations from all at the League Managers Association to the various managers who this weekend formally claimed the title of their respective leagues.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea clinched the Barclays’ Premiership following their 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers - with both goals coming from Frank Lampard. As most of you will know this is the second leg of a possible treble - following the collection of the Carling Cup earlier in the season. Strangely enough the club they beat that day, Liverpool, stand in their way but when all is said and done what Jose has brought to the Premiership in his first season, is a tremendous feat, and one that deserves everybody's respect.
In the Coca-Cola Championship, Mick McCarthy's Sunderland not only secured their return to the Premiership earlier in the week, but confirmed that they would be returning as the Champions - not a bad turnaround since 12th March 2003 - the day Mick took over. After his first nine games in charge the Black Cats were relegated with the lowest ever points total - after a season of consolidation, it is fair to say the club now reflect the manager and will return to the top league full of hope.
In the Coca-Cola League One, another unlikely fairytale has unfolded as Mike Newell (in only his second managerial post), led Luton Town back up a division, again storming into that league as Champions, with a points total already an impressive 97 - with a game to go. His ascent into the position came as he topped an unprecedented vote to become Luton Town's new manager on June 22, 2003 - showing that sometimes (just sometimes) the fans know best. In addition to his undoubted talents as a manager, he is one of the first crop of young managers to go into the job with the LMA's joint Certificate of Applied Management from Warwick University - with time and this experience his stock can only rise.
In the Coca Cola League Two, things still remain open as both Gary Johnson (Yeovil Town), and Brian Laws (Scunthorpe United) both battle for that title.
All in all, it shows the game is in good hands, and at each level of the game there is a story at the heart of each success which is there to be discovered - whether you are a top foreign manager new into the English game, or just a new manager making your way, with hard work, the right ethics and an amount of luck, you can be a success at your chosen level, so here at the League Managers Association we salute you all, especially this season's winners - Mike Newell, Mick McCarthy & Jose Mourinho
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