Which managers do you think starts the season with the least distance to the tip of the plank, and why?
Mine, in no particular order:
Frank Lampard, Everton. He always seemed to me a bizarre choice for the task of turning an above-average squad into a more functional team, and though he avoided the drop what he achieved cannot inspire much confidence. I don't think it's going to take many weak early season games before they conclude something must be done. Also, there's new management and probably new owners, which in itself always adds to the insecurity for the manager.
Ralf Hasenhüttl, Southampton. Though he is widely respected, surely there is by now a sense of stagnation, with ominous notes of an impending downturn as confidence evaporates? Though the Saints have been very good for limited stretches, there has not really been progress over the past three seasons - they look as much like a "roughly 13th-15th" team now as ever before. I think he's vulnerable.
Brendan Rodgers, Leicester. His good results in previous seasons saw him safely through last season's difficulties, but will that last if the Foxes get off to a bad start again? Or does the club then conclude that he's lost the dressing room?
And of course, all three managers of the newly promoted teams. Simply because in all likelihood they will find themselves mired in the relegation battle from the beginning, and desperation often breeds sacking.
Mine, in no particular order:
Frank Lampard, Everton. He always seemed to me a bizarre choice for the task of turning an above-average squad into a more functional team, and though he avoided the drop what he achieved cannot inspire much confidence. I don't think it's going to take many weak early season games before they conclude something must be done. Also, there's new management and probably new owners, which in itself always adds to the insecurity for the manager.
Ralf Hasenhüttl, Southampton. Though he is widely respected, surely there is by now a sense of stagnation, with ominous notes of an impending downturn as confidence evaporates? Though the Saints have been very good for limited stretches, there has not really been progress over the past three seasons - they look as much like a "roughly 13th-15th" team now as ever before. I think he's vulnerable.
Brendan Rodgers, Leicester. His good results in previous seasons saw him safely through last season's difficulties, but will that last if the Foxes get off to a bad start again? Or does the club then conclude that he's lost the dressing room?
And of course, all three managers of the newly promoted teams. Simply because in all likelihood they will find themselves mired in the relegation battle from the beginning, and desperation often breeds sacking.
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