According to Paddy Power, Steve Kean and Roberto Martinez are the favourites to be given the boot first in the Premier League sack race. Combined, Blackburn and Wigan have mustered together just two victories, with the solitary win each. The two clubs played out an entertaining 3-3 draw on Saturday; however the point does neither for both sides chances of survival.
Blackburn’s owners have stated their loyalty to their under pressure manager, with Kean reportedly set for an improved deal, which will see his wages increase to £1.5million a year. The Lancashire club have four winnable games coming up; giving Kean the chance to improve not only their league position, but his stay in charge. If the club are still in the bottom three after their favourable run of games, then Kean’s future will be in doubt.
Despite the clubs awful start to the season, I can’t see Martinez picking up his p45 anytime soon; having shown great loyalty to the Premier League perennial strugglers over the summer. Dave Whelan has frequently stressed the fact Martinez job is safe, and having defied the odds to avoid relegation last year, Whelan will be hoping his Wigan can follow suit this term, with an improved second half of the season.
Currently I can’t see any Premier League manager being given the chop; however another gaffer reportedly under pressure is Steve Bruce. Having lost Darren Bent and Jordan Henderson to big money moves, Bruce recruited no less than 11 players during the summer, as expectations at the Stadium of the Light grew. However a disappointing start to the campaign has dampened those expectations, with the club sitting just two points above the drop zone.
Despite changing the club’s approach, Owen Coyle and his Bolton side have been poor, really ever since their F.A cup defeat to Stoke in March this year. 14 defeats from 18 games since their semi-final humiliation, has left the club in the bottom three of the Premier League. Phil Gartside, the Bolton Chairman has real belief in the Coyle approach, and he’s another manager I still see in his job come May.
The bookies don’t usually get it wrong, and I also believe Kean, despite his recent contract offer, will be the first Barclays Premier League manager out of a job. When? Not yet, but probably in and around the Christmas schedule with games coming thick and fast.
Joshua Jones