Sam Allardyce left West Ham United yesterday, by what was politely termed 'mutual' consent. He was joined in the managerial shake-up by Sheffield United's boss Nigel Clough, as the late Brian's son was sacked today. At Liverpool there were rumblings of unease after the Anfield side were summarily thrashed at Stoke in their final Premier League game of the season. It seems that the end of season clear out has already begun in earnest.
It seems to be 'fashionable' at the moment for people in the public eye to either quit or be sacked. Maybe the ejection of many of the political leaders from their posts after the recent general elections has prompted the latest bout of Football manager departures.
Whatever the explanation, there are at least two clubs now scouring the market for whomever they can entice to join their latest football 'vision'.
Allardyce leaving was 'mutual'
Allardyce was the first to go, confirmation being received just minutes after West Ham had succumbed to Newcastle United 2-0 at St James' Park. The decision seemed to suit both parties: 'Big Sam' revealed that he had intended to leave anyway; West Ham weren't planning to renew his contract. Rarely can a 'cunning plan' have come together quite so readily, yet it seems it was time for him to go.
When quizzed on the news after the game by the BBC, Allardyce stated: "I didn't want to stay." He added that leaving now was "probably the right time for me and the club."
Could Ancelotti be tempted?
With their erstwhile manager now looking forward to a break from the game, co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold will be busy seeking to secure someone else's services. With the club set to move into the Olympic Stadium from the 2016-17 season, they may be looking for a marquee name to lead them there. Rafa Benitez had been mentioned but seems to also be attracting Real Madrid interest.
Other names mentioned have been Frank de Boer and Carlo Ancelotti.
Nigel Clough sacked
Clough learned of his fate only today. He seems to have been sacked after his Sheffield United side failed to last the pace in the League One play-offs. That was despite decent cup runs in recent times, including reaching the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup this year.
The club confirmed on their website that it was felt that "a change in direction was necessary."
Rumblings at Reds
At Liverpool the miserable 6-1 defeat away at Stoke City seems to have further unsettled matters behind the scenes. Facebook reaction on one of the Liverpool fans' sites was far from supportive of current boss Rodgers, despite only just missing out on the Premier League title 12 months ago. It was a humiliating end to Steven Gerrard's last match for the club, despite the club captain scoring on the day. A sixth place finish in the league this year was below expectations, but the manner of yesterday's lame surrender at the Britannia Stadium was the last straw for many fans.
After a dismal end to their season which saw the Reds victorious in just two matches from nine attempts, Rodgers re-iterated that "if the owners want me to go, then I go." Clearly, there is more to come on that story.