Deji WilliamsManaging in the Premier League is one of the toughest jobs in football. The pressure to succeed is immense, and for some managers, the weight of expectations can become overwhelming in a short amount of time. While some coaches build legacies that last years, others barely make it through a few months. In fact, a select few managers have been shown the door before even reaching 100 days in charge. Here’s a look at some Premier League managers whose reigns ended before they could really begin.
1. Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace (77 days)
Frank de Boer’s short-lived tenure at Crystal Palace in 2017 is perhaps the most infamous example of a manager not lasting 100 days in the Premier League. Arriving with a reputation as a promising coach following his success with Ajax, De Boer was tasked with bringing a more attacking and possession-based style to Palace. However, things quickly unraveled. Palace lost their first four league games without scoring a single goal, and the club’s hierarchy swiftly pulled the trigger. After just 77 days and five matches in charge, De Boer was sacked, earning the unenviable title of having one of the shortest managerial stints in Premier League history.
2. Les Reed – Charlton Athletic (41 days)
Les Reed’s brief stint in charge of Charlton Athletic in 2006 is another example of how quickly things can go wrong in the Premier League. After the departure of Iain Dowie, Reed was promoted from assistant to head coach. Unfortunately, his time at the helm was disastrous. Charlton managed just one win in six games, and their poor performances left them languishing near the bottom of the table. After just 41 days in charge, Reed was dismissed, and his short tenure remains one of the quickest exits in Premier League history.
3. Bob Bradley – Swansea City (84 days)
Bob Bradley made history as the first American to manage in the Premier League when he was appointed Swansea City manager in October 2016. However, his time in Wales was far from successful. Bradley struggled to adapt to the intensity and demands of the Premier League, and Swansea’s defense, in particular, was leaky under his watch. After just 84 days and 11 matches, which included a string of heavy defeats, Bradley was sacked, leaving behind a record of just two wins.
4. Rene Meulensteen – Fulham (75 days)
In the 2013-14 season, Fulham were in desperate need of a turnaround to avoid relegation. After sacking Martin Jol, the club appointed Rene Meulensteen, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant at Manchester United, in the hope that his experience could steady the ship. However, things went from bad to worse for the Cottagers. Meulensteen managed only three wins in 13 games, and Fulham found themselves deep in the relegation zone. After just 75 days in charge, Meulensteen was replaced by Felix Magath in a desperate attempt to salvage the season.
5. Quique Sánchez Flores – Watford (85 days)
Quique Sánchez Flores’ second stint at Watford in 2019 was even shorter than his first. Having previously guided the club to Premier League safety in 2015-16, Flores returned to Vicarage Road with hopes of a similar impact. But things didn’t go according to plan. Watford struggled under his leadership, winning just one of his 10 league matches. With the club in serious danger of relegation, the Watford board decided to part ways with Flores after just 85 days in charge.
6. Steve Wigley – Southampton (107 days)
Steve Wigley may have lasted slightly longer than 100 days, but his time in charge of Southampton in 2004 was still brief and troubled. After taking over from Paul Sturrock, Wigley struggled to turn things around for a Saints side hovering near the relegation zone. With just one win in 14 league games, Southampton’s owners decided a change was necessary, and Wigley was replaced after 107 days. Despite his best efforts, Southampton went on to be relegated at the end of the season.
7. Terry Connor – Wolverhampton Wanderers (91 days)
Terry Connor’s 91-day tenure at Wolves in 2012 was a challenging and heartbreaking experience for the long-serving assistant manager. After the sacking of Mick McCarthy, Connor was given the reins in an attempt to stave off relegation. Unfortunately, the team’s fortunes did not improve, and Wolves failed to win a single game during Connor’s time in charge, eventually suffering relegation to the Championship. Despite the difficult circumstances, Connor’s loyalty to the club and his efforts in a tough situation earned him respect from fans and players alike.
