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There is no shortage of ex-Premier League footballers moving into management in England. High-profile names such as Frank Lampard, Nigel Clough, and Joey Barton have all become managers after hanging up their boots. Football fans can click here to follow their favorite team and coaches, and wager on their upcoming matches.
While many of England, European or South American top managers are ex-Premier League stars there are a few famous managers who have cut their teeth in lower league football. It may be far from the glamour of the Premier League, but it taught them the responsibilities of being a successful manager of a team.
Martin O’Neill - Grantham Town, Shepshed Charterhouse
Martin O’Neill is the current manager of Nottingham Forest but previously managed the Republic of Ireland. Despite the heights that O’Neill has reached over his managerial career, he didn’t start out at the top of football.
The Northern Irishman’s first managerial position was at Grantham Town in 1987 where he remained at the club until 1989 then moved to Shepshed Charterhouse. The coach only stayed at Shepshed for a few months before joining Wycombe Wanderers.
Paul Gascoigne – Boston United, Kettering Town
Paul Gascoigne is the most famous Non-League manager but for all the wrong reasons. His time as a coach was short and unfruitful.
The famous footballer took over Boston United 2004, but only lasted just 11 games. Gascoigne left due to the club’s refusal to let him appear on a reality television series.
Gascoigne then joined Kettering Town just over a year later, unfortunately his time there was marred due to personal issues. His experience at Kettering Town led to the publishing of 39 Days of Gazza, a book that recounts Gascoigne’s turbulent time at the club.
Nigel Adkins – Bangor City
Nigel Adkins has tasted the sweet nectar of the Premier League as manager of Southampton where he led the Saints to back-to-back promotions but moved to Reading before signing with Hull City in 2017.
Adkins then moved to Wales as player-manager of Bangor City, which he led the club to the championship league. Scunthorpe United took notice of Adkins’ success and appointed him caretaker manager in 2006 before making him the permanent boss.
Neil Warnock – Gainsborough Trinity, Scarborough
Neil Warnock has been in management for several years so it’s no surprise his journey has taken him to 15 clubs and in some instances, he returned to some of those clubs.
The Cardiff City manager started out with Gainsborough Trinity in 1981. After leaving for Burton Albion later that year. Warnock then arrived at Scarborough football club in 1986 and it was there that Warnock took his team to win promotion making them the first team to ever win automatic promotion to the Football League.
Warnock will long be remembered by the Scarborough fans especially with the club ceasing operations in 2007.
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