THE average wage paid for an EFL League Two coach is reported to be £100,000 per year.
However, some participating managers earn much more than this as their clubs chase promotion. But with League Two outright betting in mind, does a big salary in the dug-out area always bring winning results?
Last season’s highest paid manager at this level was reported to be former Welsh international star Mark Hughes of Carlisle United on an estimated £500,000 per annum. He was appointed on 6th February 2025 amidst a blaze of publicity.
The club’s sporting director Rob Clarkson said at the time: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join us here at Carlisle United. I am certain his stature and experience in football will be crucial.
"Mark will command respect from all the players and coaching staff. It is really exciting for me to work with him. Our players will suit the way he likes to play football. I am sure our supporters will get right behind Mark and the lads for our remaining 18 fixtures."
Ultimately though, Carlisle United ended up being relegated to the National League finishing some seven points adrift of safety. This outcome totally defied football betting patterns.
So who will be the best paid League Two coaches during the new 2025/26 campaign? Here are the leading five according to intelligent estimates across various online sites…
Neil Harris
- Salary – £450,000 per annum
- Club – Cambridge United
- Age - 48
- Date appointed – 19th February 2025 (second spell)
Neil Harris on Cambridge United: "We'll be a different animal in this new season. The team is going to change and become fitter as a group.
"We must lose the previous mindset of conceding cheap goals, not scoring enough goals and having a soft underbelly."
Darrell Clarke
- Salary – £300,000 per annum
- Club – Bristol Rovers
- Age - 47
- Date appointed – 6th May 2025 (second spell)
Darrell Clarke on Bristol Rovers: "It’s great for me to be back at ‘The Mem’. My team are already working hard on building blocks and increasing confidence.
"It is really important to concentrate on our shape off the ball plus the fitness levels we have gained. We need to look after the football much better in possession too."
Martin Paterson
- Salary – £250,000 per annum
- Club – Notts County
- Age - 38
- Date appointed – 22nd June 2025
Martin Paterson on Notts County: "I am a football person who just works solely on the football side of things. I don’t pretend to have skills that I don’t have. So for example, if you ask me about football data then I would not be able to provide a good answer because I don’t understand it.
"Quite simply I don’t deal with football data. It is clear what the owners and the supporters want here. I will work hard to get this team playing in the Notts County way. I am sure the fans will let me know how it is all going after 10 games."
David Hughes
- Salary – £200,000 per annum
- Club – Newport County
- Age - 47
- Date appointed – 23rd May 2025
David Hughes on Newport County: "I am really excited about what lies ahead here at Newport County. Having spoken to the chairman several times, there is a good challenge commencing and a shared vision for the club."
Ian Holloway
- Salary – £175,000 per annum
- Club – Swindon Town
- Age - 62
- Date appointed – 25th October 2024
Ian Holloway on Swindon Town: "I am so honoured to be managing Swindon Town.
"The fanbase is growing all the time and I will ensure our players do more to meet and connect with those loyal supporters. It is so important that everyone buys into what we are doing here."
Read More:
- League Two salary figures and estimates
- League One salary figures and estimates
- Football predictions
- How much do Championship players get paid?
- Learn about the Championship playoff final
- The most expensive transfers in Championship history
*Credit for the image belongs to Alamy*
