10 Former Premier League Players Who Returned to Manage Their Old Clubs
- Think Football Ideas
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
When a former player steps back into the club they once represented, the move often carries strong emotion. Supporters remember their earlier contributions, while the returning figure steps into a role that carries greater responsibility and pressure.
During their playing days, when results didn’t go well, they faced all the consequences, including criticism. However, leading from the dugout? They have come to realise it is a different experience, and the pressure they endure as managers is often more intense.
These ten stories highlight how former players handled the transition from the pitch to the technical area, and how their second spell shaped the chapters that followed.
Here Are Top 10 Former Players Who Returned to Manage Their Old Clubs
1. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
Former Arsenal midfielder (110 apps).
Returned to Arsenal as manager in 2019.
Record as Arsenal manager:
221 games | 1.97 pts per match
131 wins, 43 draws, 47 losses
Arteta’s playing days in north London left a lasting impression through his leadership and technical style. After retiring, he moved straight into coaching at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, gaining experience in a demanding environment.
Arsenal brought him back in December 2019 following Unai Emery's dismissal, placing trust in his vision during a period that required rebuilding. His time in charge has produced a clear identity and a competitive edge that lifted the Gunners back into title contention.
With over 220 matches overseen, more than 130 victories and an FA Cup triumph, his second stay at the club carries strong purpose and growing influence.
Arteta's Arsenal side have finished in second place three consecutive times and are being predicted to secure the club's long-awaited Premier League title.
2. Frank Lampard – Chelsea
Chelsea’s all-time top scorer (429 apps).
Returned as manager twice: 2019 and 2023.
Record:
66 games | 1.52 pts per match
29 wins, 13 draws, 24 losses
Few names carry more weight at Stamford Bridge than Frank Lampard. His goal record and longevity shaped major chapters of the club’s success. Chelsea called on him twice to guide the team through challenging periods.
First came the transfer-ban season of 2019 during Roman Abramovich's tenure, when he introduced academy players like Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham to stabilise the squad. His second appointment arrived during another unsettled spell in 2023 after Todd Boehly and Co. purchased the club.
His 66 matches in charge came with mixed outcomes, but the trust shown by the club reflected the regard in which he is held, both for his history and his willingness to take responsibility during difficult phases.
3. Sir Kenny Dalglish – Liverpool
Legendary player & former player-manager (515 apps).
Returned in 2011 after 11 years away.
Record:
56 games | 1.52 pts per match
24 wins, 13 draws, 19 losses
Dalglish’s connection with Liverpool stretches across decades of triumphs, both as a forward and as a player-manager. After more than a decade away from management, Liverpool turned to him midway through the 2010/11 season.
He reshaped the team quickly, adding new attackers and guiding the side to the 2012 League Cup. His second tenure featured memorable moments, even though league results fell short of expectations.
Across 56 matches, Dalglish delivered silverware and strengthened his bond with supporters who had witnessed his earlier achievements.
4. Glenn Hoddle – Tottenham Hotspur
Iconic Spurs midfielder (490 apps).
Returned as manager in 2001.
Record:
89 games | 1.28 pts per match
32 wins, 18 draws, 39 losses
Glenn Hoddle’s elegance as a midfielder made him a central figure in Tottenham Hotspur’s history. Years after leaving as a player, he returned to lead the club in 2001.
His arrival carried strong anticipation, rooted in memories of his influence during his 490-game playing career. During nearly 90 matches in the technical area, he oversaw a run to a League Cup final and introduced ideas shaped by his broader managerial experience.
Inconsistency in league form led to his departure, yet his return stands as one of Tottenham’s most notable homecomings.
5. Scott Parker – Fulham
Ended playing career at Fulham (29 apps).
Returned as manager in 2019.
Record:
48 games | 0.77 pts per match
8 wins, 13 draws, 27 losses
Scott Parker ended his playing career in Fulham colours, then moved into coaching and returned to Craven Cottage as manager. After taking over during a difficult period, he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League.
Remaining in the top flight proved difficult, with another drop that overshadowed the early progress. Across 48 matches, his time in charge featured moments of strong organisation alongside challenges that highlighted the gap between divisions.
6. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United
Club legend striker (235 apps).
Returned in 2018 after a stint at Molde.
Record:
109 games | 1.81 pts per match
56 wins, 29 draws, 24 losses
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earned legendary status through his impact as a forward, including decisive moments on the biggest stage.
His coaching path took him through Norway and a short spell at Cardiff before Manchester United named him manager in 2018. His initial run brought energy and improved results, lifting the team back toward the top of the table.
During his 109 matches, he guided the side to second and third-place finishes and reached the Europa League final in 2021.
Solskjaer's work laid the foundation for several players who developed under his approach, although critics still point out that trophies did not arrive under his leadership.
7. Mark Hughes – Blackburn Rovers & Southampton
Managed Wales while still a Premier League player.
Returned to Blackburn in 2004 & Southampton in 2018.
Records:
Blackburn:Â 147 games | 1.45 pts per match
58 wins, 39 draws, 50 losses
Southampton:Â 22 games | 0.77 pts per match
3 wins, 8 draws, 11 losses
Mark Hughes’ entry into management came in unusual circumstances, as he combined international duties with a Premier League playing career.
His return to Blackburn Rovers marked the start of a successful period, with the club consistently competing above expectations.
14 years later, Southampton relied on him to secure safety during a tense spell in 2017/18, and he achieved that task before results dipped in the following months.
Hughes’ combined records across both clubs highlight the contrasting demands faced in different environments.
8. Slaven Bilic – West Ham United
Popular former defender (48 apps).
Returned as manager in 2015.
Record:
87 games | 1.33 pts per match
30 wins, 26 draws, 31 losses
Slaven Bilic’s earlier spell as a defender left him with a strong connection to West Ham supporters. His return in 2015 coincided with the final year at Upton Park, a season full of high-profile victories and standout performances, including Dimitri Payet’s influence.
The following campaigns brought difficulties linked to adapting to a new stadium and squad changes, which eventually led to his departure.
Bilic’s 87-match record balances bright memories with later frustrations, and this reflected the shifting nature of the team during his leadership.
9. Alan Shearer – Newcastle United
Club’s greatest striker (303 apps).
Returned as manager in 2009 to save club from relegation.
Record:
8 games | 0.63 pts per match
1 win, 2 draws, 5 losses
Alan Shearer’s stature at Newcastle United is unmatched, built through years of goals and leadership. Late in the 2008/09 season, the club brought him back in a bid to avoid relegation.
With only eight matches to change course, the Premier League's leading goalscorer of all-time soon realised the task carried heavy pressure.
Despite efforts to lift performances, Newcastle fell on the final day. His managerial record - one win, two draws and five defeats - disclosed the scale of the challenge he inherited rather than his legacy as a player.
10. Gareth Southgate – Middlesbrough
Former Boro captain (160 apps).
Became manager immediately after retiring in 2006.
Record:
114 games | 1.05 pts per match
29 wins, 33 draws, 52 losses
Gareth Southgate captained Middlesbrough through European campaigns and major domestic milestones. When he retired in 2006, the club handed him the reins almost immediately.
His three seasons included mid-table security early on and a developing reputation for guiding younger talent. However, the 2008/09 campaign brought relegation after 114 matches in charge.
Though his club management chapter ended there, his experience contributed to the path that later led him to international success with England.