FOLLOWING on from my last column about strikers, this column is dedicated to managers.

In my experience of playing at different levels, managers come in three categories.

Category one you have got the rant and rave Cup throwing fiercely competitive manager.

The best, and two most successful managers in my playing days, in this category are Ian McGarry ex-Darwen and Great Harwood and Geoff Dean, ex-Haslingden and Rossendale Utd.

Ian McGarry was hard work to please in a rant and rave manager, but successful especially at Darwen. Geoff Dean was very loud and very competitive sort of manager who enjoyed success at Haslingden.

Category Two was the level headed quiet but firm manager -- two who spring to mind are Micky Graham and Steve Parry.

Micky Graham was a good tactician and motivator who got his point over quietly but firmly who had success at Rossendale Utd. Steve Parry was very similar in his mannerisms who had success at Clitheroe.

Category Three you have the ex pro's who command respect in the dressing room without having to shout and bawl. I have played under three excellent ex-pro managers -- Leighton James, Ian Britten and Brian Greenhoff. Leighton James was a brilliant tactician who could sometimes get on the wrong side of players, but he was brilliant at making average players seem special.

Ian Britten was also a great tactician and motivator and he played in teams with us as well and he could practice what he preached.

Lastly, Brian Greenhoff. I played under him and Stewart Thompson at Whitworth Valley. He was a good presence in the dressing room going round to each player talking to them and pumping them up before a game. All three could make you feel like a special player.