Football management is an extremely difficult business in the world, with so many managers leaving with short tenures. But a select few have managed to extend their longevity in their roles. Who are the managers that have managed to have the longest football careers?
1. Guy Roux (Auxerre)
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Auxerre’s longest-serving manager was Guy Roux, who lasted a staggering 44 years at the club—from 1961 to 2005. The club was then under his management and played its way from amateur status to winning Ligue 1 in 1996. But it was Roux’s commitment and ability to turn undercooked talent into stars that allowed him to stay at the helm for so long: French football had a legend.
2. Willie Maley (Celtic FC)
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After 43 years in charge, from 1897 to 1940, Willie Maley managed Celtic FC. In his time there, he took the team to 16 league titles, 14 Scottish Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1967. Celtic was a club built on youth development rather than expensive signings, and Maley focused on that to become a dominant force in Scottish football. The club has remained true to his legacy, influencing generations.
3. Bill Struth (Rangers)
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Rangers manager for 34 years, from 1920 to 1954, Bill Struth served at the helm during one of the most notable periods in the club’s history. Rangers were guided to 18 league titles and is remembered for guiding them to a treble at the end of the 1947 season. His tactical acumen and leadership helped cement Rangers as one of the country’s most successful clubs.
4. Mickey Evans (Caersws)
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Caersws are managed by Mickey Evans, who has done an impressive job in his time in the chair over 34 years (there was a blip of course) as per Sporting News. During his tenure, the club has reached notable successes in Welsh football with them entering European competitions. There is a heartfelt connection between the manager and the team—such an attachment to the club.
5. Ronnie McFall (Portadown)
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Ronnie McFall helped out at the club in a managerial capacity from 1986 to 81 when he took charge as manager in 2016 and held the role until last season. Over three decades, his stints with Portadown resulted in multiple Northern Ireland Football League titles for the Scotland Under-19 boss when his focus was on the local game, as per Business Insider. He has served long enough as a manager, not necessarily committing but also being effective.
These managers act as a reminder of the stability and foresight within football as it grows. How do their careers stack up with modern managers who often need to deliver results quickly? Will we see similar longevity in today’s fast-paced football environment?
Ultimately, long managerial careers in football highlight the importance of strong relationships, not just between clubs, but within them as well. These managers have left imprints on their teams that will be carried on by generations to come. Some other names that obviously come to mind, but missed out on this list, include some legends of the game, including Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, and of course, Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson, two glorious names who gave their teams some of the most successful times in the history of their existence.
