Four British Football League managers destined for the Premier League, including Forest and Derby bosses

Follow us on Google Discover

We pick four British managers that could make it to the Premier League, including bosses at Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Sheffield United.

Gary Rowett

The incredible slump Birmingham City suffered after the sacking of Rowett in December only worked to solidify the young manager’s reputation in the game.

Rowett made the most of his limited resources to build a well-organised team at St Andrews. The 43-year-old, who is a similar mould to Premier League boss Sean Dyche, will have a better squad and bigger budget to work with next season at Derby County.

Chris Wilder

Two league titles in two seasons. Chris Wilder is one of the hottest properties in the Football League.

After leading cash-strapped Northampton Town out of League One, Wilder returned to boyhood club Sheffield United to end their lengthy stay in League One. The 49-year-old plays a fearless brand of front-foot passing football which left Cobblers and Blades supporters purring.

Along with his trusted assistant manager Alan Knill, Wilder looks set to take the Championship by storm next season. If he does, the former Halifax man should attract suitors from the Premier League.

Regardless, Wilder will have his sights set on reaching the top-flight with his beloved Blades.

Michael Appleton

Appleton’s playing career was cut short in his 20’s by a serious knee injury. The former Manchester United man went on to take a series of backroom roles for West Bromwich Albion, working under the likes of Roy Hodgson and Tony Mowbray.

Following mixed spells with Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn, Appleton dropped down to League Two with Oxford United in 2014. Since then, he has helped the U’s to promotion and two Football League trophy finals.

Appleton encourages an attacking brand of football which has benefited players like Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram and Marvin Johnson.

Mark Warburton

Warburton’s successful spell with Rangers came to a bitter end in February. Shortly after, the 54-year-old took over at struggling Championship side Nottingham Forest and kept them up on the final day of the season.

At Brentford and Rangers, Warburton built young sides that looked to play the ball out from the back. If he replicates that fashionable style – with results – at the City Ground, it won’t be long before the Premier League comes calling.