As another football season comes to a close the usual swapping and changing of managers has begun. Starting the week a number of top clubs had no man in charge, with pre-season training soon approaching.
The worst kept secret in football came out when Chelsea reappointed “the special one”, Jose Mourinho as their boss following his spell with Real Madrid. The illustrious figure will return to his old club and link up with former players such as John Terry and Frank Lampard, as well as bringing Michael Essien back with him after a loan spell with Madrid. Many will see Mourinho as an important appointment as the Portuguese manager has a win percentage of 68% with the six clubs he has managed. In addition to this a number of people will be happy to have such a big personality back in the Premier League.
Manchester City are still yet to appoint a new manger having parted company with Roberto Mancini after losing the FA Cup final. The City board claim to be looking for a manager with a more “holistic” approach. The main name that has constantly been linked with the Manchester City job is Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean manager has confirmed that he is to hold talks with Man City having parted company with his former club Malaga.
The longest drawn out managerial change so far is at Everton. Having lost David Moyes to Manchester United, the Toffee’s just announced that Wigan’s Roberto Martinez will replace the Scot. Martinez told BBC Sport: “We need to bring new signings, players who will develop that competition and give different options on the playing field.” Martinez was at Wigan for the last 4 years, won the FA Cup against City, but wasn’t able to avoid relegation. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright revealed also that Martinez’s main goal is to qualify for the Champions League group stage – a optimistic goal!
Wigan Athletic will now begin the process of deciding on a new manager. Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, Owen Coyle, Gus Poyet and Steve McLaren are all names that have been linked with the job in recent days. Dave Whelan claims to have had in the region of 50 applications for the post. Finally, Wolves appointed former Millwall manager Kenny Jackett to lead their promotion push. Millwall are still looking for Jackett’s replacement.
