The world of English non-league football is full of striking contrasts and unexpected faces. Alongside rising talents, the pitch and touchline are also graced by familiar veterans who once shone in the Premier League. Andrew Dyumin looks at former Premier League stars now carving out managerial careers in the National League and beyond.
Main intrigues and contrasts of the lower leagues
Kieron Dyer (Southampton): The former midfielder of Newcastle and West Ham has secured his first major managerial role at Southampton United this summer, successfully guiding the team to second place in the National League. Dyer recently went viral after a press conference where he tried to weave in references to Michael Jackson songs for charity purposes.
Lee Cattermole (Gateshead): The ex-Middlesbrough, Wigan, and Sunderland midfielder is in his debut season as a head coach, but things haven't gone smoothly—managing just one win in his first 12 matches.
Robbie Savage (Forest Green Rovers): The former Manchester United trainee made a name for himself at Macclesfield and is now in line for a promotion, as the National League club has allowed him to negotiate with representatives from the EFL amid interest from Peterborough United.
Rob Elliot (Carlisle United): After more than 50 Premier League appearances with Newcastle, the former goalkeeper began his coaching journey at Gateshead before moving to Carlisle this summer, where he's recorded only two wins in 20 initial games.
Veteran goalkeepers and memorable names
Kelvin Davis (Hednesford Town): The past Southampton goalkeeper took charge of the team in February, marking his third managerial role after stints at Eastleigh and a temporary position with the Saints.
Tim Flowers (Bromsgrove Sporting): The Premier League champion with Blackburn Rovers (1994/95 season) and former England goalkeeper currently supervises a team in the third division of the Southern League.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Widnes Town): The legendary player from Blackpool's sole Premier League season leads the newly formed Widnes Town, competing in the sixth tier of the non-league pyramid.
David Stockdale (FC Farsley): After his old club Fulham went bankrupt, the former keeper was actively involved in forming a new team and continues to manage it at the seventh level of the system.
Experienced fighters at the helm
Mike Williamson (South Shields): A defender who played five seasons with Newcastle, Williamson led Gateshead to victory in the Northern National League and has worked in League Two and with Scottish giants Rangers; he took charge of South Shields in the summer of 2026.
Steve Watson (Darlington): The ex-Newcastle and Everton midfielder has been in charge for nearly ten years; he finished last season with Darlington in ninth place in the Northern National League.
Jonathan Greening (Scarborough Athletic): A Champions League winner and treble victor with Manchester United (1998/99), he has been managing his hometown club since 2021, keeping them afloat in the sixth division.
Kevin Lisbie (Cray Valley Paper Mills): Famous for his hat-trick against Liverpool in 2003, the former Charlton forward took over his first club at the beginning of this year.
Jamie Clapham (Loughborough Students): After playing over 150 Premier League matches with Spurs, Ipswich, and Birmingham, he honed his coaching skills at various clubs and has now steered the student side into the fourth division of the Northern Premier League.
Other notable former Premier League players working as managers in the lower leagues:
- Adam Murray (Barrow)
- John McGrath (FC Halifax Town)
- Andy Priest (Chorley)
- Craig Fagan (Maidstone United)
- Jamie Milligan (Bamber Bridge)
- Ian Selley (Leazerdhead)
- Craig Lynch (Morpet Town)
- Scott Kerr (Bridlington Town)
- John McKen (Stalybridge Celtic)
- Richard Duffy (Congleton Town)
- Kevin Horlock (Canvey Island)
- Lee Martin (Whitstable Town)
