@SteTudor123 on the worst managers in Premier League history - do you agree with his selections?
1 - Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace)
The Dutchman’s appointment was viewed as a dramatic departure for the Eagles, whose previous incumbent in the technical area had been ‘Big’ Sam Allardyce.
Once all of his spat-out chewing gums had been cleared up, De Boer set to work on changing the culture at the club, switching their direct and physical approach to a more possession-based fare.
Unfortunately, the changes were too sweeping and too swift, and just four games in to the 2017/18 season Palace were featuring prominently in the Premier League relegation betting odds from losing each time and failing to even score.
A player’s revolt at his methods was leaked to the press and just 77 days into his tenure, De Boer was out on his ear, forever considered a flop.
2 - Jan Siewart (Huddersfield Town)
With a 5% win percentage, statistically the German coach is the worst gaffer to inhabit a Premier League dug-out but a caveat is warranted, with the former Borussia Dortmund II man stepping on board an already sinking ship.
After fending off the drop in their first top-flight campaign for nearly half a century, the Terriers looked doomed the following January when they appointed Siewart, rooted as they were to the bottom of the league.
Sadly, any hopes they had of the inexperienced manager being a miracle worker were quickly dashed as the losses kept on coming.
Indeed, with the sum total of 16 points come May, Huddersfield’s dismal showing in 2018/19 is the third worst return in the Premier League. As for Siewart, he was gone soon after.
3 - Steve Wigley (Southampton)
With only three years managerial experience in the Isthmian League with Aldershot, Wigley was hopelessly ill-equipped to take sole charge of a Premier League club and sadly it showed from the off.
Taking over from Paul Sturrock very early into the 2004/05 season, the Saints were quickly stuck in the relegation mire eventually finishing bottom.
Wigley had long gone by then, a coach whose credentials only appeared to be a popularity with the players and a decent earlier stint as caretaker gaffer.
At least he has impeccable taste in choosing when to guide his team to a solitary win in 14 under his charge, a fiercely-fought south coast derby with Portsmouth.
4 - Tony Adams (Portsmouth)
The Pompey faithful presumably found the Steve Wigley appointment down the coast very amusing, only then four years later their own club did a spectacular brain-trump and also went for the wrong man.
In 2006, Adams was learning the managerial ropes under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and was rewarded with the big gig after deciding to remain following his mentor’s departure for Spurs. For all concerned, it was a huge mistake.
Just ten points from 16 games at the helm highlighted that the England legend is as adroit in the dug-out and he is on the dancefloor.
5 - Graeme Souness (Liverpool)
Inheriting the then most prized position in British football from his former team-mate Kenny Dalglish, the scowling Scot took it upon himself to rip up many of the institutions that had long made Liverpool so feared and successful, and this attempt at modernisation extended to an admittedly aging team.
In due course, great player after great player departed Anfield in the Nineties, replaced by the likes of David Speedie and Torben Piechnik, as the Reds slid inexorably into mediocrity.
By the time Souness resigned in 1994, Liverpool’s Premier League odds were as long as his disastrous stint felt for the fans.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 31st January 2023
