Cook calls on LMA to end managerial merry-go-round

Paul Cook has called on the League Managers Association (LMA) to put an end to English football's managerial merry-go-round.
Pompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler

Speaking at his Thursday press conference – before Leicester’s shock sacking of Claudio Ranieri – Cook vented his disappointment at the lack of support afforded to fellow bosses.

Pompey’s manager feels his Football League counterparts are not being given the necessary time in the hot seat to prove their worth to clubs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And Cook believes it is about time the LMA did something about it.

Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on ThursdayClaudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on Thursday
Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on Thursday

He said: ‘Do you know what I’m amazed about more than anything?

‘I’m amazed the LMA are just sitting back watching all these managers getting sacked and just allowing it.

‘I really am.

‘I don’t know what they can do about it but they’re a union, aren’t they?

Owen Coyle was sacked by BlackburnOwen Coyle was sacked by Blackburn
Owen Coyle was sacked by Blackburn
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Managers now are jumping into other managers’ jobs every minute and I just think it’s getting weird.

‘It’s getting to a place soon like “what?”

‘People used to move into areas – it’s getting short-term and it’s ill.’

Cook is approaching two years in charge at Pompey but recognises a manager’s average tenure at a club is in seemingly irreversible decline.

Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on ThursdayClaudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on Thursday
Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on Thursday

He said: ‘I bet you over the years even Pompey had managers for like 10 years and stuff like that. Managers don’t have that time now.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I think if you are intelligent enough to believe in the manager, you go with him because the only way anyone knows, is to give them time.

‘It’s like Owen Coyle gets sacked at Blackburn.

‘Where’s the logic in that?

Owen Coyle was sacked by BlackburnOwen Coyle was sacked by Blackburn
Owen Coyle was sacked by Blackburn

‘They’ve been in the bottom three all year, so I don’t grasp the logic.

‘Why now? Now none of us will know if Owen would keep them up.

‘But surely give the man a chance.

‘I think Tony Mowbray (Coyle’s replacement) is a fantastic manager.

‘I like Tony a lot but where’s the logic?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Don’t get me wrong, clubs that have owners can do whatever they want but for me the LMA can’t just keep allowing it.’

Cook feels there should be clauses written into contracts that allow managers a minimum amount of time at the helm.

The idea a club appoint someone on a four-year deal only to sack them after half a season would then be a thing of the past.

But while continuity may be the key to success, often the powers that be at clubs are put under immense pressure to make big calls after a run of poor results.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cook said: ‘They’ve got to start stipulating in contracts that managers have to get to dates.

‘I think managers have got to be allowed to manage or we won’t know.

‘And that’s the big thing I see now.

‘I just think the league and managers have got to come together and just say hang on a minute.

‘Now what you see is managers just getting jobs by the way it’s like a merry-go-round, isn’t it?

‘Does that make it right?

‘I don’t think so but there you go.’