Managerial Merry-Go-Round is the topic this week in Now and Then
Fulham have now waved goodbye to not just one but two managers this season. After the departure of Martin Jol at the Start of December, Rene Meulensteen had already been previously appointed as head coach and was ready to replace his fellow Dutchman. However, two months later and a Valentine’s Day that will probably be one to forget for Meulensteen, the Cottagers replaced him with Felix Magath.
Rene Meulensteen was shown the door after his Fulham side found themselves bottom of the Premier League table
While one club that has finally realised axing managers in quick succession isn’t always the route to success, is Chelsea. After Jose Mourinho left in 2007 they went through nine managers in six seasons. But despite their fair share of trophies, Roman Abramovich and Co eventually realised that no one could replace the Special One and he made his return in June 2013.
But it seems few others have learned. Meulensteen is the eighth boss this season to leave the Premier League after Paolo Di Canio, Ian Holloway, Jol, Steve Clarke, Andre Villas-Boas, Malky Mackay and Michael Laudrup.
That may seem an awful lot, but let’s take a look back.
The last season we witnessed such a quick turnover of managerial changes was 2008/09, which saw nine changes altogether (with four resignations and five sackings from September to February).
In 2008, Portsmouth and Newcastle were the last two clubs to go have two managerial changes within one season. After Tottenham purchased £5million rights for Harry Redknapp to leave Portsmouth in October 2008, Tony Adams stepped in as manager. However, that reign was to be short-lived as just after four months in charge Adams was sacked and replaced by Paul Hart.
Tony Adams was sacked by Portsmouth after just 16 games in charge
Keegan also left his managerial post at Newcastle, resigning in 2008. Keegan was replaced by Joe Kinnear but, five months later and two places further down the table, he left the club due to Medical reasons and was succeeded by Toon legend Alan Shearer.
So, 2013/14 may seem a crazy managerial rollercoaster ride, but it’s yet to become a vintage year for sackings… though there’s plenty of time to come.
The question now is will there be a ninth sacking, and who will it be? And will we surpass nine and reach the highest managerial turnover in the Premier league ever?
Unless, that is, you happen to be former Swansea boss Michael Laudrup, in which case your question is probably, ‘Why on earth was I sacked in the first place?’
Who do YOU think will be ninth manager sacked this Premier League season? Who looks vulnerable? And how many more sackings are to come. Let us know what YOU think.
The Offside Rule 
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