29 - Dario Gradi

The half-Italian former grammar school boy spent the 1960s as a school teacher, shopkeeper and amateur footballer. In the early 1970s, he held a number of coaching positions before becoming Wimbledon manager and helping them to promotion from the fourth division. A failed spell at first division Crystal Palace followed before a twenty four year period as manager of Crewe Alexandra, which was characterised by gradual improvement and promotion and the scouting and nurturing of an array of young British talent, sold to fund sustainable club development. Gradi attracted attention from Benfica and the FA (who saw him as a potential technical director) but remained loyal to Crewe throughout this period of success, helping them rise from the old fourth tier - where they had been for 26 years - eventually rising to the second tier, where they became established. Funds were raised by developing unwanted players freed by bigger clubs such as David Platt and developing youth players like Dean Ashton, who were sold for a vast profit and went on to become international players. The money was invested in developing the stadium to cater for increased attendances and in other resources. His relationship with Crewe was described by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as 'a great marriage.' The emphasis was on a long-term strategy rather than immediate short-term management; perhaps this is why - unlike to so many other smaller clubs who rise through the divisions - Crewe didn't slip back down the divisions again. Gradi's measured, intelligent approach ensured sustainable development and created a club ethos, much as Shankly, Nicholson and Wenger have done at different clubs. Gradi was a visionary and outstanding coach who created a virtual conveyor belt of talent at Gresty Road. Crewe's directors and supporters and the many players he set on their way to success would certainly not quibble with his place in the top 30. Neither would any fair-minded individual.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0