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While some come from the pitch and are able to make use of themselves behind the bench, it isn't a common occurrence.
A lot of today's best managers developed a keen sense for the game by watching the particulars that occurred behind the scenes. As a matter of fact, Arsene Wenger has a similarly useful ability, in that he earned himself a degree in Economics from his time in France. This allows him to be more effective in the transfer market, and has led to a great number of very shrewd purchases. Jose Mourinho would be another example of this, while his exploits on the field were not incredible, he's managed to use his knowledge of the game and its tactics to mold himself into a great manager.

The argument that many great players get behind the bench and succeed is not necessarily true. Many great players have delved into the abyss of managing a club, sometimes with high stakes. As of now, very few actually manage to succeed with a winning record. In the last few seasons, Bryan Robson, Iain Dowie and Steve Bruce have seen their clubs relegated. Not only that, but their three clubs were rather large compared to others in the Championship. Dowie has recently found himself fired from an under-performing Charlton squad.
When Sunderland announced a few months back that they had located, recruited and hired a 'world class manager' speculation was incredible. When they announced that Roy Keane of Manchester United fame had been hired as the bench boss, some wondered if it was the right choice. Some can point to the fact that Sunderland no longer sit rock bottom of the Championship, they aren't exactly in a good position either. In fact, Sunderland have not hired a world-class manager: they have hired a former world class player to act as manager.
Some players do make wonderful managers, as Barcelona fans would point out about Frank Rijkaard. However, it is far more rare to find one with such a distinguished playing career finding so much success soon after.
It would appear that the best way to go about a successful managerial career would be to act as an understudy to another manager and learn poignant and responsible business tactics, while learning player tactics as well. Tony Adams, Arsenal's former captain and defensive star has taken on such a position watching Harry Redknapp ply his trade at Portsmouth.
In conclusion, former football players cannot simply be written off as improper replacements for managers, but they should understand that there is a learning curve when transforming oneself from a flashy footballer to a mundane member of the bench staff.

Learn more about this author, Matthew Wilson.
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