With the 2014-15 league season only just completed, there are already four Premier League sides who look to be considering who will lead them going forward. As the rumour mill springs into life, it seems an opportune time to consider just what has been going on and who the potential candidates to move into the various hot seats are.
Newcastle
Despite retaining their Premier League status on the final day of the season, that 2-0 victory over West Ham seems unlikely to ensure that John Carver remains in charge. Under his stewardship the Magpies went into a worrying slide towards the end of the season.
After 13 defeats in his 20-game reign, 15th position in the league does not seem a fair reward for the loyalty shown by the Geordie fans over the years.
Interestingly, former England boss Steve McClaren seems to be favourite to take over the reins, despite his recent dismissal by Championship side Derby County. 'The Rams' failed to reach the play-offs after a slump at the end of their campaign, yet the bookies suggest he is in pole position to gain a 'promotion' of his own instead. Carver could yet be given an extended period in charge, but failing that there are also intriguing calls for ex-Everton and Manchester United boss, David Moyes to return from Spain.
Newcastle's local rivals Sunderland confirmed their place in the top flight next season before Newcastle did, although they ultimately finished below them in the final positions.
Dick Advocaat was offered an extension to his initial short-term contract, after successfully keeping them up, but decided to decline.
With the Dutchman having departed, there may be a swifter than expected return on the cards for Sam Allardyce. 'Big Sam' and West Ham 'jointly' decided that enough was enough after their last game of the season, but Allardyce's availability may be considered for the 'Black Cats' role given his previous top-flight experience.
Whether his previous spell in charge of arch rivals Newcastle would make him unpopular with the fans, may be a different matter altogether though.
McClaren is also believed to be on Sunderland's radar, in addition to Real Madrid's Paul Clement who is currently an assistant coach in Spain. Clement is tipped to be the latest success story from the Chelsea centre of excellence assembly line, which he joined in his early 20s.
Watford
Newly promoted Watford seem determined to look for a replacement for Slavisa Jokanovic, who led them so impressively to the runner-up spot in the Championship.
Although ex-Chelsea player and manager Roberto di Matteo is believed to be in the frame, the favourite may well be 50-year-old Quique Flores. Flores has plenty of European experience, having managed the likes of Benfica and Atletico Madrid (where he won the Europa League) in the past.
West Ham
Allardyce had guided the 'Hammers' to a strong position in the first half of the season, but there was a definite falling away towards the end of it as their fortunes turned. Twelfth position was still a credible finish, but the owners seem keen to start afresh with the move into the Olympic Stadium on the horizon.
