The most deserving of the accolade – Everton, Fulham and Stoke boss’ take your bow!

Betfair Blogger Gareth Freeman looks at who the three contenders for manager of the season should be.

When you think about the managers of the season the instant picks would obviously be those who won things.  Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez both deserve a lot of respect, as does Hiddink and perhaps Wenger if he can get the Gunners to the Champions League final.  If Phil Brown keeps Hull City in the Premier League he will have done a fantastic job but for me the following three managers are the ones who have really stood out this season.

Roy Hodgson – Fulham

Last season Fulham looked doomed to relegation but somehow, under Hodgson's guidance, they managed to pull it back.  This season they've been clear of danger all year and could still qualify for Europe.  Not only has there been a marked improvement in form they're also playing some great football.  They look good on the counter attack, play some neat passes and always look capable of scoring a goal.  The only thing Hodgson hasn't managed to improve is their away form, which is still shocking.

Fulham had to deal with the loss of Jimmy Bullard in January but in truth it seems to have affected them very little, if at all.  In Brede Hangeland Hodgson has picked up an absolute gem and he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league.  He also signed Mark Schwarzer, who has perhaps been the best keeper in the league this season, and Hodgson has proved himself to be a shrewd operator in the transfer market.

David Moyes – Everton

Everton certainly are a big club and should indeed be challenging for honours such as the FA Cup.  However, they don't have the biggest budget and have been hit heavily by injuries.  Moyes has never really complained about his massive injury list or the fact he has had no strikers at all on some occasions and the way Everton have maintained their league form has hugely impressed me.

Every year Moyes has been at Everton there have been noticeable improvements year after year.  This season they have looked so well organised throughout the campaign and thoroughly deserve their position in the league.  Moyes has also transformed Phil Jagielka from a utility man into an outstanding centre-half and has managed to get the best out of Manchester City reject Jo.

In taking Everton to their first domestic cup final since 1995 Moyes has pulled off another success, whether or not they actually win it, and for me the Everton boss is one of the best managers outside of the ‘top four.'

Tony Pulis – Stoke City

When Stoke came up they were pretty much everyone's favourites to go down.  After they were beaten 3-1 by Bolton at the Reebok in the first game of the season one bookmaker even paid out on online bets for them to get relegated – though this was a marketing ploy.  However, the Potters have defied the betting odds and it looks almost certain now that they will be playing Premier League football next season.

Granted their away form is abysmal but Pulis and Stoke City have turned the Britannia Stadium into a fortress.  Only Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton have got the better of Stoke at the Brit, which is a record any side could be proud of.

He made a mistake in the transfer market with a £5million move for Dave Kitson but redeemed himself with the signings of Abdoulaye Faye and James Beattie – perhaps the best deals of the season.  In keeping Stoke up alone Pulis has pulled off a master stroke but the manner in which they have done it has made it all the more impressive.

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