Sir Alex Ferguson is assured legendary status in football and his achievements have been recognised by football fans worldwide – even those that prefer spending their days playing Football Manager than playing football.

Ferguson topped a poll carried out by Sports Interactive (makers Football Manager 2010) with 26 per cent of the vote.

Sir Alex is followed by the late, great Sir Bobby Robson (potentially a sympathy vote) with Liverpool manager Bill Shankly scored third spot and Brian Clough took fourth. Another Old Trafford legend, Sir Matt Busby, who despite Fergie’s efforts still holds the record as the longest serving Manchester United manager of all time, was voted into fifth place.

The top ten also included Sir Alf Ramsey, ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Bob Paisley with Jock Stein bringing up the rear.

The poll was taken by over 1,000 UK football fans (and is therefore should be titled ‘Greatest football managers in the UK’) – here’s the top 10 with their percentage of votes received:

Sir Alex Ferguson – 26%
Sir Bobby Robson – 14%
Bill Shankly – 9%
Brian Clough – 8%
Sir Matt Busby – 6%
Sir Alf Ramsey – 5%
Jose Mourihno – 4%
Arsene Wenger – 3%
Bob Paisley – 2%
Jock Stein – 1%

Football Manager 2010 is out in the stores on Friday 30th October and you can pre-order your copy right away.

Share your thoughts on who you think is the best football manager – past or present – in the comments below.