Manager of the season

Our Football Desk select their managers of the season for 2011/12 and invite you to pick your own.

Paul Lambert, Norwich: After leading Norwich to two successive promotions, Lambert has defied the odds to keep Norwich in the Premier League in their first season back in the top flight. Lambert's side have shown no fear against the Premier League's big guns and the Scot has achieved all this on a shoe-string budget. PO'R Brendan Rodgers, Swansea City: Swansea were tipped by many to make a swift return to the Championship but they stuck to their footballing principles, ensured that the Liberty Stadium remained a fortress, and have given out their fair share of bloody noses. Rodgers deserves immense credit for sticking to his guns and is now being linked with top jobs across the country. CB Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United: The fact that Manchester City did not run away with the title and that Manchester United still amassed 89 points, when most observers would agree that their squad could do with some strengthening, speaks volumes for Ferguson's influence. He has steered the club through a transitional period and dealt with a lengthy injury list with his usual mastery and remains the manager that everyone else in the league looks up to. LR Roberto Mancini, Manchester City: It's easy to win the Premier League when you've all the money in the world, isn't it? No. It's not. Few title-winning managers have ever had their methods as closely scrutinized/criticised as Mancini and yet, he always remains absolutely true to his convictions. That's because when he brings Dzeko on, or takes off Nasri or Silva for De Jong it's because he knows that for all the wailings from the stands or in the press box, Bobby knows best. For me, Mancini's achievements have been criminally underappreciated. AD Alan Pardew, Newcastle: Pardew has won over his doubters by defying expectations with the Magpies this season, taking a team who finished 12th last term and turning them into UEFA Champions League contenders. The Toon boss has developed a brand of attractive, attacking football while boosting his squad with shrewd signings, reaping the rewards following the acquisitions of Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse. RG David Moyes, Everton: A lot of credit must go to the Scot for guiding Everton to seventh. Year after year the Toffees have next to nothing to spend, but the Merseysiders always remain competitive and well clear of the drop zone. The addition of Nikica Jelavic proved astute and they also finished ahead of illustrious rivals Liverpool. JP Posted by Peter O'Rourke, Chris Burton, Lewis Rutledge, Alex Dunn, Rachel Griffiths & James Pearson