Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallWho will be the next Premiership managerial casualty?
After Roy Keane resigned as Sunderland manager this morning, the attention is turning to who will be the next casualty of the mid-season cold snap. With the prospects of relegation battles and challenges for European qualification crowding the minds of chairmen, boards and fans alike, managers are as vulnerable as players in the January transfer window.
Three on the brink:
Blackburn manager Paul Ince
The former England midfielder has endured a torrid start to life as a Premiership manager after his summer move from MK Dons. Blackburn are second bottom in the Premiership following seven games without a win and, despite his relative short tenure, Ince’s position is precarious. With a squad that includes Roque Santa Cruz, Matt Derbyshire and Benni McCarthy, Blackburn’s shocking return of four goals at home this season will more than disturb chairman John Williams.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes
Hughes’ previous work at Blackburn generated a reputation in football management – which secured his move to Eastlands - that will not subside easily. But the astronomical cash injection at Manchester City is akin to filling a hatchback with rocket fuel with the obvious hike in expectation of performance from the owners standing at a safe distance. Hughes must someway control this explosive beast if he is not keep his job. However, rumours are already circling that the owners are considering more experienced candidates and with big money to be spent in January, Hughes could be ousted sooner rather than later.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray
Having led West Brom back into the Premier League with a styling and entertaining brand of passing football, Tony Mowbray’s stock could have hardly been higher at the beginning of the season. But reaching midpoint in the season and sitting bottom of the league table, the prospect of relegation will be entering the thoughts of the board. West Brom’s desire to shake the tag of a yo-yo club - bouncing between the Premiership and Championship - and Mowbray’s entrenched tactical philosophy, which has failed thus far, could result in a surprise exit for the manager.
