Ranieri Named LMA Manager Of The Year

The 64-year-old Italian joined the Foxes at the start of the season – his first job in English football since leaving Chelsea in 2004 – and has now secured both his own and Leicester City’s first-ever top-flight title victory. 

With pre-season odds of 5000/1 to win the league, the title win masterminded by Ranieri will go down as one of the most impressive ever seen in this country. 

LMA Chairman, Howard Wilkinson, said:"We gathered this evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our managers and coaches who have overseen one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons in recent years. Throughout the top four leagues, we have witnessed success against all odds and levels of excitement which have become synonymous with the English game. 

"Tonight's winners are those who have demonstrated the ability to face and overcome the challenges of football management, we applaud those who have exceeded expectations and wish everyone the best of luck next season. 

"My congratulations go to the LMA Manager of the Year sponsored by Barclays, Claudio Ranieri who, in his first year as manager of Leicester City, has achieved the most astonishing of sporting triumphs and thoroughly deserves all the recognition and praise being bestowed upon him tonight."

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan, said:"On behalf of the LMA, many congratulations to the managers who have been recognised by their peers and received LMA Awards this evening. We also congratulate all our members who have achieved their ambitions this season whatever the measure of success, be it promotion, securing their league status or exceeding expectations. 

"We are delighted to honour Claudio with the LMA Manager of the Year award in recognition of his Barclays Premier League title winning season with Leicester City, an inspiring story that has gripped the world. 

"Leicester's achievement has been made possible by the tactical and technical knowledge of Claudio and his coaching staff. His passion for football, humility and charisma has underpinned an incredible ability to manage a team at the very highest level. He is a worthy champion and a true gentleman of the sport."