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The current season has not seen a managerial casualty yet. The prime candidates for getting the boot early this season are-
1. MARK HUGHES
Last season, Queens Park Rangers survived by the skin of their teeth. Their inability to get the ball rolling and keep possession was one of the main reasons which saw Neil Warnock get the boot after a series of disastrous performances midway through the season. With Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes buying majority of the shares, Mark Hughes was the obvious choice as he had impressed with Fulham the previous season. His priority of simply securing a survival spot for the season was treated with shock by the fans and sparked up rumors of his sacking almost instantly. He still was unable to rouse his team with ambitious winter signings such as Djibril Cisse, Samba Diakite and Taye Taiwo. It was evident that the team wasn’t gelling well, but it was the owner Tony Fernandez, who decided to stick to Hughes by offering him a contract that kept him for another 3 years.
With the goal of survival finally achieved, Hughes spent big bucks at the start of the season, the most prominent transfers being Esteban Granero signed for £9 million, becoming the record transfer fee for the club. Park Ji Sung and Julio Cesar were also roped in the summer.
The current season has seen Hughes not win a single game yet, despite signing over 10 players. One will have to wait and see whether the patience of the QPR management and the faith of Tony Fernandes pays off or not.
2. NIGEL ADKINS
It is never easy for a promoted club to instantly get accustomed to the pace and skill of the top flight teams. Nigel Adkins is facing the same problem with his Southampton outfit, but that excuse is now wearing too thin as he has won only a single game, picking up only 5 points all season. To make matters worse, he has changed over 5 goalkeepers alone in the 11 games that have been played this season.
Even though the Southampton management have given Adkins their word to stand by him through the season, their patience will be tested this season. He must step on the gas and get his act together if he wants to keep his job as manager.
3. MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
The AC Milan manager is under severe pressure from his superiors to step up his side’s performances to keep the coveted job. His side have been sloppy at the back, indicating that they miss Thiago Silva and Gattuso.
However, he can be credited for the advent of new players and replacements in the side. The fact of the matter is that he needs to find players who can fill the big void left by players such as Ibrahimovic and Inzaghi. In fact, he can take credit for the good performances by the new players such as El-Shaarawy, who has made a great impact on the games he has featured in. Allegri will have to make his team click soon if he wants to see out the end of his contract.
4. ARSENE WENGER
It has been 7 years since Arsenal last won a trophy, which has resulted in the departure of many of their star players. Of the class of “Invincibles”, Cesc Fabregas was the only one who did not opt out of the club. But eventually, it came down to the faithful Robin Van Persie who left the club this season for Manchester United. The fact that Wenger has not been able to hold onto his players, has resulted in the fans questioning his judgement of buying, developing and grooming players at a young age. He must also keep in mind that the fans and the chairman’s patience is wearing thin and it would do justice to avoid drawing games from winning positions as they have done a lot this season.
He needs to stop the outflow of players at such a rapid rate, and must continue to keep the momentum going from season to season. He must keep his players with a strong hold and win games if he wants to avoid getting the boot.
5. BRIAN McDERMOTT
As a manager, McDermott and his Reading side enjoyed a good outing, finishing at the summit of the Npower Championship. However, his side have been off color this season, barring their 7-5 loss to the Gunners earlier. Like QPR, his side have not managed to secure a victory yet and McDermott will have to tighten the screws on his team if he wants to hold onto his post.
