Gosh what a choice!
So many have good cases. Easier to list the ones first that do NOT mention merit. I will limit this to 87 onwards.
OK Sillet ,Adams, Black, Dowie, Gould, Atkinson, Nilsson and Bothroyd do NOT warrant inclusion. These had their good and bad moments but decent guys
Strachan - total arrogance on all sorts of levels and a major fator in our sad demise. Yes I remember the stupidity of him against Middleboro that almost cost us relegation in I think 96/97. Also screwed Coventry City financially , not a nice man at all - Looks favourite to win this as I type because I hate him
Butcher - Not equpped with the interlect and sold Cryille Regis to make a point on that he was in charge. One of the worst. - Forgiven as no long term impact on club status
Howe - total lack of understanding of Sky Blue supporters - Forgiven as no long term impact on club status
McAllister - Not up to it and that is proven with attempts after he left. Was in a difficult situation club wise and personally but made mistakes. - Forgiven
Reid - Made a mess of it but had the honour and integrity and left on his own accord without claiming compensation - Forgiven
Coleman - should have done a lot better with resources and also treated Marcus Hall very badly. I suspect he does not concentrate enough on the job - contender as his disppointing efforts have led to where we are now
Thorn - Clearly a liability - unlikely to get another job in the professional game as manager. Nice enough guy and had difficult circumstances but out of his depth - very strong contender
Robins - Best manager for a long time but screwed us. May had had good reasons but to me he was out of order - not a contender because he was a good manager albeit questionable motives
For me reading back my post it has to be Strachan and Thorn.
Just remembered Phil Neal, no problems with him and maybe there are some others.