Stubbs talks top managers

Burley is the surprise contender for manager of the year

BBC pundit Ray Stubbs picks out four possible winners of the Premiership manager of the season award, but thinks it is too early to choose between them.

There is much to consider when picking this year's best manager.

If Man Utd win in Munich and go on to lift the Champions League trophy for a second time and add that to their seventh Premier League title in nine seasons, then, it would be difficult to look past manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson: The favourite

However, should they not get past Bayern - given the standards United set for themselves - then the Premiership title would be no better achievement than expected of this super-talented side.

In that situation, George Burley, who has proved everybody wrong and has guided his team to the brink of a Champions League spot next term, becomes an equal contender.

But hang on, who's to say that David O'Leary won't end up as manager of the European champions?

He could also lead Leeds to a third place finish in the Premiership, thereby confirming the Elland Road club's emergence as one of the top sides in Europe.

If, but and maybe are three words that fuel the speculation without which lots of us would be out of a job.

O'Leary has worked magic at Leeds

If Manchester United lose to Bayern Munich.

If Leeds and Arsenal somehow fail to progress in the Champions League.

And if George's tractor runs out of petrol and splutters to a fifth or sixth place finish.

Then Sir Alex becomes favourite again by dint of his league champions medal.

But there is one other name to add to the debate.

What of the Frenchman on Merseyside, Gerard Houllier?

He could end up with three cups and a third place league finish at Liverpool.

So how do you balance his performance?

The best thing to do is to leave it to those who have to make the decision.

A word of warning however.

No decision should be made until the full facts are on the table.

And that could be as late as 23 May, on the night of the Champions League final.