Bosses on the Move Again

AN EAST Midlands revolution stole the show as the managerial merry-go-round picked up speed again after a February lull.

 

- John Lyons

Blackburn’s Owen Coyle was the only EFL boss to lose his job in February, but March has already seen five casualties.

Following the earlier departures of Russell Slade (Coventry), Graham Westley (Newport) and Alex Neil (Norwich), Steve McClaren, 55, was shown the door by Derby County last Sunday.

It brought the former England manager’s second spell in charge to a halt after just five months in charge. Although results improved on his return to Pride Park, a run of one win in nine Championship matches ultimately proved costly as owner Mel Morris lost patience.

Passion

“Steve is a great coach, we have very talented players and first class facilities but the heartbeat, commitment, focus and passion has been lacking something fundamental,” said Morris.

“The Brighton game on Friday night (McClaren’s last game in charge ended in a 3-0 defeat) was so far from what we expect to see from those wearing a Derby County shirt.