Premier League Sack Race: Who Will Be Axed Next?

The Premier League is no stranger to managerial changes, especially during the festive period. As we approach 2024, several clubs are in desperate need of a turnaround in fortunes, which often means a change in leadership. While some struggling teams at the bottom of the table are feeling the heat, even managers in the top half are not safe as they battle to secure European football. In this article, we take a closer look at the potential candidates in the Premier League sack race.

Paul Heckingbottom: Sheffield United’s Manager

Paul Heckingbottom, the current manager of Sheffield United, is the leading contender in the sack race. Despite his superb job last season in earning promotion from the Championship, Heckingbottom has faced numerous challenges this term. The summer transfer window saw key players like Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye leave, which affected the team’s early-season confidence. The Blades suffered heavy defeats, including an 8-0 thrashing by Newcastle and a 5-0 loss to Arsenal. However, the most damning result came recently when fellow strugglers Burnley thrashed Sheffield United 5-0, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Heckingbottom’s departure is expected soon, especially after his pointed post-match interview criticizing the Blades’ ownership.

Steve Cooper: Nottingham Forest’s Manager

Steve Cooper, the current manager of Nottingham Forest, is also under immense pressure. Despite being backed by the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, Cooper’s team has struggled to find consistency this season. With only one win in their last nine games, Forest sits on 13 points and faces a crucial run of fixtures before Boxing Day. The upcoming matches against Fulham, Wolves, Tottenham, and Bournemouth will likely determine Cooper’s fate. The Welsh boss, who previously managed Swansea and England’s under-17 team, may find it difficult to turn things around unless his squad can rediscover their winning form.

Andoni Iraola: Bournemouth’s Manager

Bournemouth’s recent appointment of Andoni Iraola as their manager raised eyebrows. The new owners decided to replace Gary O’Neil, who did an impressive job in keeping the Cherries in the Premier League last season. However, Iraola, a relatively young manager at 41, has started delivering results. After back-to-back victories over Newcastle and Sheffield United, Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Aston Villa, moving level on points with Nottingham Forest and six points clear of the relegation zone. While Iraola’s appointment raised doubts initially, his recent performances have provided some respite.

Roy Hodgson: Crystal Palace’s Manager

Roy Hodgson, the experienced manager of Crystal Palace, has managed to steady the ship at Selhurst Park. Despite some supporters expressing discontent, Palace currently sits in 12th place, comfortably away from the relegation zone and just three points off the top half of the table. A hard-earned 1-1 draw against West Ham, following a run of four defeats in five games, demonstrates the team’s fighting spirit. While the club may consider making an ambitious appointment midway through the season if the fans’ frustrations persist, the recent decision to extend Hodgson’s contract suggests that a successor will likely be sought at the end of the campaign.

Erik ten Hag: Manchester United’s Manager

Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, finds himself in a precarious position due to the team’s poor performances. After 18 months at the helm, Ten Hag has overseen 10 losses in all competitions, with Newcastle inflicting the latest blow in a 1-0 defeat. The ongoing debate about the root cause of United’s struggles—whether it’s the players, the manager, or the owners—continues to rage. However, if the team’s dire form persists, it is likely that the Dutchman will be the one to pay the price. United’s upcoming matches against Chelsea and Bournemouth, followed by a crucial week in both domestic and European competitions, will be crucial for Ten Hag’s future at the club.

Other Managers to Watch

While the managers discussed above are the current frontrunners in the Premier League sack race, there are other notable figures to keep an eye on. Sean Dyche of Everton, Rob Edwards of Luton, and Vincent Kompany of Burnley have shown signs of progress in their respective clubs. In-form Everton, despite a recent 10-point deduction, is unlikely to part ways with Dyche. Luton, under the management of Edwards, is demonstrating improvement, and Kompany has started to get Burnley firing on all cylinders. However, football is unpredictable, and any manager’s position can change rapidly depending on results and fan sentiment.

Conclusion

As the Premier League season progresses, the sack race intensifies. Managers like Paul Heckingbottom, Steve Cooper, Andoni Iraola, Roy Hodgson, and Erik ten Hag find themselves under immense pressure to deliver results. While some have already faced heavy defeats and criticism, others are experiencing mixed fortunes. Only time will tell who the next casualty in the Premier League sack race will be. Football is a demanding and unpredictable sport, and the fate of these managers hangs in the balance as their teams fight for survival and success.

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