Wolves Top Five Managers Of All Time

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a proud and storied history, both in English football and on the European stage. While players often steal the headlines, Wolves’ successes across the decades have been built on the tactical minds in the dugout. From rebuilding jobs in the lower leagues to dominating in the top flight, here are our top five Wolves managers of all time.

Top 5 Wolves Managers Of All Time: From Barnwell To Cullis

Honorable Mentions

Kenny Jacket (2013-2016)

Tasked with stabilising a free-falling Wolves side that had suffered back-to-back relegations, and found themselves in League One for the first time since 1989. Jackett delivered their best-ever start to a league campaign and a then-record-breaking 103-point title-winning season. Though he never achieved a Premier League promotion, his calm leadership and solid recruitment laid a vital foundation for the club’s future success under Fosun.

Dave Jones (2001-2004)

Jones ended Wolves’ 19-year exile from the top flight by winning the 2003 play-off final in dominant fashion. Although Wolves would be relegated in their first season in the Premier League, his achievement in restoring Wolves to the big stage was a turning point after years of near misses and underachievement.

5. John Barnwell (1978-1982)

John Barnwell’s tenure at Molineux may have been relatively brief, but his impact was substantial. Taking charge in 1978, Barnwell brought a fresh approach and guided Wolves to a famous League Cup triumph in 1980, beating Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in the final at Wembley.

This victory remains one of the club’s most cherished modern trophies. Barnwell also recorded two FA Cup semi-finals, restoring belief and pride among supporters during a turbulent financial period.

4. Bill McGarry (1968-1976)

Bill McGarry’s reign marked a return to respectability and silverware for Wolves. Appointed in 1968, McGarry quickly instilled discipline and resilience, guiding the club to the League Cup final in 1974, where they beat Manchester City 2-1. Under his leadership, they also reached the UEFA Cup final in 1972, narrowly losing to Tottenham Hotspur over two legs, a feat that remains one of the club’s best-ever European runs. McGarry built a tough, competitive team that recorded 4th and 5th place finishes in the First Division, restoring pride to Molineux.

3. Mick McCarthy (2006-2012)

Appointed during a time of cost-cutting, Mick McCarthy took on the task of rebuilding Wolves with youth and determination. His no-nonsense approach and eye for talent paid dividends. After a near miss in 2007, he finally captured the Championship title in 2009.

Under his guidance, the Wanderers remained in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, achieving their highest top-flight finish in 30 years. McCarthy’s side were tough, disciplined, and always up for a fight, a reflection of their manager.

2. Nuno Espírito Santo (2017-2021)

The arrival of Nuno sparked a modern revolution at Molineux. Backed by Fosun and aided by a strong Portuguese influence, Nuno implemented a dynamic, counter-attacking 3-4-3 system. He won the Championship in 2018 with style and took them back to the Premier League by storm. Wolves finished seventh twice, reached an FA Cup semi-final in 2019, and a Europa League quarter-final in 2020. Nuno brought Wolves back into European competition for the first time in nearly 40 years. His calm demeanour, tactical vision, and connection with the fans made him a modern legend.

1. Stan Cullis (1948-1964)

No list would be complete without Stan Cullis, ‘Mr. Wolverhampton Wanderers’. As a player, he captained the side with distinction. As a manager, he became iconic. Cullis led Wolves to three First Division titles (1954, 1958,1959) and two FA Cups. (1949,1960) He also helped pioneer European club football, hosting the famous floodlit friendlies against teams like Celtic and Honvéd, which prompted calls for a continental competition. His impact on the club and English football is immeasurable. Cullis didn’t just build a squad, he built a Dynasty.

Wolves’ history has been shaped by more than just players on the pitch; these five managers played vital roles in defining the club’s identity and success. From Cullis’ glory years to Nuno’s European revival, each left a legacy that still resonates at Molineux today. With new eras on the horizon, fans will always look back with pride at the leaders who helped put the club on the map.