Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson

The 20 Longest-Serving Premier League Managers of All Time

October 15, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Longevity in modern football is rare, but these twenty managers have proven that loyalty and vision can build lasting legacies. Here’s a look at the longest-serving Premier League managers who spent years shaping just one club.

20. Roy Evans – Liverpool – 4 years 9 months

A true club man, Roy Evans guided Liverpool through the mid-90s, promoting a stylish and attacking brand of football. His era brought back excitement at Anfield and laid the groundwork for the club’s next generation.

19. Tony Pulis – Stoke City – 4 years 10 months

Known for his pragmatic and physical approach, Tony Pulis established Stoke as a tough Premier League outfit. Under his leadership, the club achieved stability and earned a reputation for being one of the hardest teams to beat.

18. Bryan Robson – Middlesbrough – 4 years 11 months

“Captain Marvel” brought ambition and flair to Middlesbrough, signing big names and guiding them to cup finals. Although trophies eluded him, Robson elevated Boro’s profile and inspired a devoted fanbase.

17. Steve McClaren – Middlesbrough – 4 years 11 months

McClaren took Middlesbrough to new heights, including their first major trophy — the 2004 League Cup. His tactical discipline and continental approach marked a high point in the club’s history.

16. Eddie Howe – Bournemouth – 4 years 11 months

Eddie Howe’s spell with Bournemouth was a remarkable story of consistency and belief. He turned a small club into a Premier League regular, playing fearless football and earning universal respect.

15. Jim Smith – Derby County – 5 years 3 months

During his steady tenure at Derby, Smith helped the club maintain stability through changing times. His leadership fostered discipline and structure in an era of transition for English football.

14. Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham – 5 years 4 months

Pochettino’s Tottenham played some of the best football in the Premier League era, focusing on youth, intensity, and unity. He took Spurs to a Champions League final and turned them into consistent top-four contenders.

13. Gérard Houllier – Liverpool – 5 years 7 months

Houllier modernized Liverpool both tactically and professionally, bringing European discipline to the club. His 2001 treble season remains one of the Reds’ most memorable achievements.

12. Sam Allardyce – Bolton Wanderers – 5 years 9 months

“Big Sam” turned Bolton from relegation candidates into a competitive, well-organized team. His focus on data, fitness, and efficiency made him one of the league’s great innovators.

11. Sean Dyche – Burnley – 5 years 9 months

The “Ginger Mourinho” gave Burnley a clear identity built on grit and teamwork. Dyche’s leadership secured European qualification for a club operating on one of the league’s smallest budgets.

10. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal – 5 years 9 months (and counting)

Arteta has restored belief at Arsenal with his modern tactical vision and discipline. His leadership has returned the Gunners to the top of English football, blending youth and experience with purpose.

9. Alan Curbishley – Charlton Athletic – 5 years 11 months

Curbishley’s steady hand kept Charlton comfortably in the Premier League for years. His pragmatic management and eye for talent earned widespread admiration for a club that punched above its weight.

8. Rafael Benítez – Liverpool – 5 years 11 months

Benítez delivered Liverpool’s unforgettable 2005 Champions League triumph. His analytical mind and attention to detail made him a master tactician who left an enduring mark at Anfield.

7. Harry Redknapp – West Ham – 6 years 9 months

Redknapp nurtured young talents like Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard while keeping West Ham competitive. His entertaining football and sharp wit made him a fan favorite in East London.

6. Joe Kinnear – Wimbledon – 6 years 11 months

Kinnear kept Wimbledon punching far above their weight, ensuring survival against all odds. His spirited leadership and man-management embodied the “Crazy Gang” mentality of the 90s.

5. Jürgen Klopp – Liverpool – 8 years 8 months

Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players — MDI / Shutterstock.com

Klopp transformed Liverpool into one of Europe’s best, winning the Champions League and Premier League. His charisma, passion, and “gegenpressing” style reignited belief on Merseyside.

4. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – 9 years 3 months (and ongoing)

Guardiola has built a dynasty at City, revolutionizing English football with his tactical precision. Multiple titles and a historic treble in 2023 cemented his status as one of the greatest managers of all time.

3. David Moyes – Everton – 11 years 3 months

Moyes brought consistency and professionalism to Everton, regularly guiding them to top-half finishes. His long tenure at Goodison Park remains a model of stability and steady progress.

2. Sir Alex Ferguson – Manchester United – 20 years 11 months

The most successful manager in Premier League history, Ferguson built an empire of dominance at Old Trafford. His hunger for victory and ability to rebuild repeatedly made him a true legend of the game.

1. Arsène Wenger – Arsenal – 21 years 8 months

Arsene Wenger — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Wenger redefined English football with his philosophy of fluid attacking play and innovation. His invincible 2003–04 season remains iconic, and his 21-year reign shaped Arsenal’s modern identity and global stature.