9 ex-Premier League stars now managing random minnows around the world

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When the curtain on a successful Premier League career is brought down, a new chapter of management is normally turned.

Steven Gerrard, Mikel Arteta, and Frank Lampard are the classic examples of players who returned to the very division they graced for so many years.

The midfield trio are currently occupying the reins of Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Everton respectively, and are all looking to finish this unpredictable season strongly.

However, not every former Premier League star is destined for a stint at one of the division’s top clubs.

Star Sport consider 11 ex-Premier League stars who are now managing random minnows around the world.

Damien Duff – Shelbourne

The former Chelsea and Fulham ace has been forced to take the long route in elite football management.

Shortly after his retirement, Duff’s managerial career began in the Shamrock Rovers youth team, before he took up the same position at Celtic.

After brief runs as the assistant manager at Celtic Park, and the Ireland national team, he was soon named as the permanent manager of Shelbourne.

“The Limerick based side gained promotion to the Irish Premier League last season, which only kicked off on Friday.

Johnny Jackson – Charlton

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Johnny Jackson was appointed as manager of Charlton Athletic towards the end of December.

The former Tottenham Hotspur ace has began his managerial career at the very stadium he retired at in 2018.

He was named as the permanent replacement to Nigel Adkins, after a short but promising time as caretaker manager.

After three losses in his first three League matches, shoots of recovery are apparent as he has since won three of his last five matches.

Owen Coyle – Jamshedpur

The former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers is currently in charge of Indian Super League giants Jamshedpur FC.

Despite garnering a reputation for his direct football, Coyle’s jobs have taken him all over the world, managing Houston and Channaiyin FC, in-between spells as Blackburn Rovers and Ross County manager.

And the Scotsman is currently locked in a very tight transfer race with fierce rivals Hyderabad FC.

His side are only one point behind Hyderabad, but hold a game in hand over the Telangana based side.

Teemu Tainio – FC Haka

Teemu Tainio garnered a strong reputation as a no-nonsense defensive midfielder for Tottenham and Sunderland.

But the former Ajax ace is currently occupying the dug-out at Finnish giants FC Haka.

While his current deal is set to expire in December 2022, Tainio has more than earned his stripes at the side, having managed the side since January 2019.

Nuri Sahin – Antalyspor

Many of you may be shocked that former Real Madrid and Liverpool ace Nuri Sahin actually retired from playing in October 2021.

However, the former Turkish midfielder did not have to wait long for his first managerial job, as Turkish Primeira Ligue side Antalyaspor swiftly snapped up his services.

And it is certainly the baptism of fire for the ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder, as they are currently locked in a tense relegation scrap.

They are only just treading water in 17th place, but with 14 matches to go, Sahin still has quite the job on his hands.

Tony Popovic – Melbourne Victory

Tony Popovic was a cult hero during his five seasons at Crystal Palace.

And the former Eagle is currently spreading his managerial wings at Australian giants Melbourne Victory.

In fact, he has become a very experienced manager, having overseen Western Sydney, Turkish minnows Kardemir Karabukspor, Perth Glory, and Greek side AO Xanthi.

Melborune are currently in fourth position, but are only four points away from fierce city rivals Melbourne City.

Nick Montgomery – Central Coast Mariners

The Scottish midfielder spent 12 seasons at Sheffield United, making 397 appearances for the Blades.

However, he embarked on his first ever job in management last summer, when he was appointed by Australian side Central Coast.

Despite a tricky start to the season, Montgomery currently has the Aussie side in a respectable eighth position.

Joey Barton – Bristol Rovers

Barton endured relegation for the first time in his managerial career last season, as Bristol Rovers were relegated to League Two.

Whether it is strange analogies where he described himself as a doctor or many fallings out with opposition managers, Barton has certainly brought the fireworks to the dug-out.

Rovers’ promotion hopes are not looking great, as they are currently in 14 th position.

Henning Berg – Omonia Nikosia

After a great start to managerial life with Norwegian sides FK Lyn and Lillestrom, Berg was given a great opportunity when he was named as the manager of Blackburn in October 2012.

Unfortunately, the former Manchester United ace did not even last the year, as he was sacked after 57 days.

After spells at Legia Warszawa in Poland, Hungarian side MOL Fehervar, and Norwegian side Stabaek Fotball, Berg is now manager of Greek side Omonia Nikosia.

  • Premier League
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  • Tottenham Hotspur FC
  • Charlton Athletic FC
  • Crystal Palace FC
  • Bristol Rovers FC

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