Gudjob Gudjon

Last updated : 01 March 2009 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Former Barnsley manager Gudjon Thordarson is creating waves in League One by leading Crewe Alexandra's incredible rise from the relegation zone.

When Thordarson was appointed manager of the Alex in late December, the club were bottom of the table, nine points adrift of safety and had won just three league games (plus one against Barnsley in the Carling Cup of course) and the Railwaymen had won just three in 20 in all competitions.

But the Iceman's impact has been incredible. His first match in charge was a 4-1 win at Hartlepool, whilst Saturday's 4-0 thumping of Brighton at the Withdean was the club's fourth successive victory- their best run for six years- and lifted them out of the bottom four!

We at TykesMad say Gudjob Gudjon!

The former Stoke and Iceland manager took over a poisoned chalice at Oakwell in the summer of 2003, with the club deep in debt and administration, and having just survived relegation to League Two. But with no money, Thordarson (who became the club's first and so far only foreign manager) managed to put together a squad that won four of its first six games in 2003-2004 and was fourth in January. Unfortunately the club then went on a terrible run of six games without a win and Thordarson was unceremoniously sacked by Peter Ridsdale, with Paul Hart instantly installed. Ironically it took Hart six matches before he earned his first win.