Life’s A Pitch: managerial merry-go-round

It’s almost hypnotic the speed at which the Premier League managerial merry-go-round is rotating this summer. No sooner had the season finished than a handful of bosses were forced to pick a number between P44 and P46 faster than you can say ‘severance package’.

West Brom’s Roy Hodgson was the first to vacate his desk, taking over the reins at England. Aston Villa’s Alex McLeish was literally chased out of the building soon after, quickly followed by fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish, at Liverpool.

Dalglish was replaced by Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers, Paul Lambert traded Norwich for Villa, Birmingham’s Chris Hughton took over from Lambert at Carrow Road, and Dalglish’s number two at Liverpool, Steve Clarke, got his first number one job at West Brom.

And just when things were calming down Spurs despatched Harry Redknapp, despite a top-four finish.

Wow! And with Swansea expected to appoint Danish legend Michael Laudrup, the next instalment of managerial mayhem is just around the corner.

Our secret football agent, Football Agent 46, knows a thing or two about manager transfers. He reveals the inner workings on a managerial change and gives his expert view on Liverpool’s decision to appoint Rodgers.

Our video pundits also give their take on the appointments of Lambert at Villa and Clarke at West Brom, and one of the early Swansea candidates, Dennis Bergakamp.

Plus, we assess the pick of the latest transfer rumours, and comment on the key developments at Euro 2012.

Expert video pundits

Doubts cast over West Brom’s Steve Clarke appointment

Adrian Clarke explains his reservations about West Brom’s decision to appoint Steve Clarke as their new head coach.
Always a number two? >

Bergkamp “could fit the bill perfectly” at Swansea

Adrian Clarke explains why his former Arsenal colleague Dennis Bergkamp would be a perfect replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Swansea.
Perfect fit? >

Paul Lambert has the “firm hand” needed at Villa

The Life’s a Pitch team suggests that Paul Lambert could be just the tonic for Aston Villa.
Firm hand Lambert >

Afellay to Arsenal, Liverpool want Dempsey, Zaha to Hammers?

The Life’s A Pitch panel assesses the likelihood of Afellay, Dempsey and Zaha moving to Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham respectively.
Transfer talk >

Lively opinion blogs

Rodgers the key mover in managerial merry-go-round

Secret football agent, Football Agent 46, reveals some of the inner workings of the managerial transfer market which has been in full swing this summer.
Managerial merry-go-round >

Wenger hoping Van Persie has another stinker for the Dutch

Arsène Wenger will be hoping Robin van Persie’s poor Euro 2012 start continues if it puts off the Dutchman’s many suitors, writes Mike Calvin.
Falling stock >

Henderson can flourish for England under Gerrard’s guidance

Mike Calvin praises Steven Gerrard for the way in which he goes about his job as England captain.
Captain fantastic >

Your in-a-nutshell guide to Euro 2012

Overwhelmed by all those extensive Euro 2012 previews? Well, have a read of our bite-size guide to the tournament, expertly put together by Iain Macintosh.
EuroZone >

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