One thing that is always certain in Premier League season is managerial sackings. After Paulo Di Canio’s dismissal, I take a look at five managers under pressure in the Football League.
Dougie Freedman – Bolton
Despite a strong finish to last season where nine wins in 14 matches led them to the brink of the play off places, Freedman has struggled to get the best out of his players and have gone nine games without a win. Languishing 23rd in the league, it is a far cry from the days of the Premier League when Jay Jay Okocha entertained the Reebok. Unfortunately for the Bolton faithful they now have David NGog, who has yet to find the net thus far. Despite having former Premier league talent in Chris Eagles, Jay Spearing and Jermaine Beckford, they have yet to find the right chord and if they don’t soon it could be goodbye to Freedman.
Dave Jones – Sheffield Wednesday
Dave Jones took over Wednesday in March of 2012 and went on a 17 game unbeaten run to lead the blue side of Sheffield to promotion. He then led them to 18th in their first season back in the championship but this year it has all gone downhill. No wins in the first eight games has put Jones under pressure and a 4-1 defeat to Birmingham didn’t help either. A 1-0 defeat to Doncaster today, led Jones to say ‘it was the worst performance since I’ve been at the club’. If the owners agree then Jones may not get a lot more time to rectify it.
David Weir – Sheffield United
Usually if a rival is struggling than you’d be rejoicing. Not United though. The red side of Sheffield is going through its own problems. Just one win in nine has left them bottom of the table, when only last season they finished 5th, before losing to Yeovil in the playoff semi’s. With new owners willing to splash the cash, Weir has already publically declared that he doesn’t want any money for new players. Whilst it is a nice touch towards his current players, it is also a bold move. If he doesn’t want to splash the cash and the team continue to play poorly, the new owners may find someone who will.
Colin Cooper – Hartlepool
Relegated last season from league one, LeagueTtwo hasn’t been any kinder to the Pool. Just one win in nine has left them one place off the drop where falling out of the football league could lead to dire financial straits. Colin Cooper has only been in charge for those nine games so it seems unfair that he would be dismissed so early but it is football, so who knows?
James Beattie – Accrington
Beattie is another manager who hasn’t had much time in the hot seat but has not managed to secure a single win in his first nine games. Their dire form has stemmed from a lack of goals, just five in nine, prompting Beattie to consider a comeback, and let’s be honest who hasn’t wanted to see Jeffers and Beattie upfront…? If it comes to that then Beattie will be under serious pressure for results. The financial results of losing your football league status can be crippling and Accrington may be forced to act sooner rather than later.