In a Premier League season where far too many teams have under-performed, the managerial merry-go-round has well and truly begun, and for many clubs – it is a very welcome ride.
As well as gaffers being offloaded, there are a substantial amount of managers available to hop on, with a variety of coaches losing their jobs throughout Europe. The Premier League is hoping to lure some of these managers into England, to try and revamp some of the disappointments of the season.
Newcastle are set to axe the best coach in the league, John Carver, whilst West Ham have decided to not renew Sam Allardyce’s contract. Likewise, Dick Advocaat has left the Stadium of Light after saving them from relegation. More interestingly, Brendan Rodgers’ future is in some sort of doubt at Anfield following a hugely disappointing season with Liverpool.
Newcastle
Following Alan Pardew’s departure at the very beginning of the year, it seemed the best move for both parties. After leading the Toon Army to a very impressive run streak towards the end of 2014, relegation looked simply out of the question.
Cue John Carver, who seemed to set out to prove any fans who suspected they were safe wrong. Eight successive Premier League defeats meant for the Magpies to free-fall down the division, hence leaving it to the final day of the season to decide their fate. However, de did manage to see off West Ham and secure their place in next seasons Premier League.
The Geordie looks very likely to lose his job, with Mike Ashley declaring his ambitions for the future. If those ambitions are for relegation scraps and Championship football – then Carver is the man.
The bookies favourite is ex-Derby manager, Steve McClaren, having left the club following their failure to achieve a play-off spot. Perhaps McClaren deserves a shot at the top tier of English football, and he certainly has waited for his chance since leaving Middlesbrough 9 years ago.
Also amongst the front runners are Arsenal legend Patrick Viera, who reports say will hold talks with Newcastle chiefs this week, ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup, Real Sociedad manager David Moyes and Champions League winning manager with Chelsea, Roberto Di Matteo.
I think any of the list above would be an adequate solution to take the club forward, and as long as Mike Ashley doesn’t take the cheap option (again) and go with Carver, it could be exciting times for the club.
West Ham
Following a successful four year spell in East London, Sam Allardyce’s contract was not renewed at the end of this season. He took the helm at Upton Park when the club had just been relegated in 2011, and led them to a straight return to the big time.
Since, West Ham have stabilised, and under Allardyce’s leadership, have sustained three successive mid table finishes in the Premier League. This season, West Ham were fourth on Christmas Day following a superb first half to the season. Like Newcastle, however, the second half to the campaign was not so impressive – slumbering to twelfth in the league.
It seems to be the best decision for both the club and Allardyce, with the ex-Bolton gaffer admitting this himself. With the Hammers also managing to get into Europe via the Fair Play League, a new system at West Ham maybe required, but it will have to be sorted out soon with their season kicking-off a long time before the average Premier League start date.
Ex West Ham defender and Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic seems to be the clear bookies favourite, and has been for a long while. Also in the list are Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa, David Moyes, Steve McClaren, Ajax manager Frank de Boer and Sevilla manager Unai Emery.
Nevertheless, the owners David Sullivan and David Gold both keep hope that they can lure Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp to the Boelyn Ground, with this seeming very unlikely.
Sunderland
Ex-Rangers manager Dick Advocaat took over from Gus Poyet in March 2014, and led the club to safety. However, with the Dutchman at the not-so tender age of 68, him and the club came to the decision that he was not the right man to steer the ship for the long-term future.
It seems to be the time that Sunderland establish themselves as a consistent Premier League team. In the last few seasons, it is hard to disagree with the notion that the Mackems have had too many relegation fights and replacement managers.
The bookies favourite to take reigns in the North-East looks to be Burnley manager Sean Dyche, following his teams relegation. Sam Allardyce from West Ham has also been thrown about along with ex-Real Madrid coach, Paul Clement, although he looks set to take charge at Derby replacing Steve McClaren.
McClaren himself could be an option for Sunderland, if he doesn’t go to heavy rivals Newcastle and Patrick Viera could also be appointed at the Stadium of Light.
Dyche would be a fantastic appointment for Sunderland. It always looked a difficult challenge for the Burnely man to beat relegation at Turf Moor, given the lack of funds provided. However, his work certainly didn’t go unnoticed, and an appointment at Sunderland would be the right move for him, giving himself a chance to stabilise a club and take them to the next level.
Liverpool
After falling just short of the title last year, many expected Liverpool to at least regain their Champions League status this season.
However, what happened couldn’t be as far from the expectations set. Sixth is where they finished, with their summer signings flopping hugely, and not living up to the hype by any stretch of the imagination. Owner John William Henry may wish to shake things up, and replace Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp seems to be the firm favourite, should Rodgers depart Merseyside. The German has stated that Liverpool and Manchester United are the only English sides he would consider joining after leaving Dortmund, the club he had been with for seven years, leading them to a Champions League final. He said that he would have to change the transfer policy at Anfield should he join, so a move might not be so certain.
Other possibilities are ex-Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, Frank de Boer or a return to Merseyside for ex-Napoli manager Rafa Benitez.