The Premier League’s 10 shortest managerial reigns show how unforgiving the job can be—where even 30 days can end a career.
The Premier League has witnessed some astonishingly short managerial reigns, with clubs showing little patience when results go south. Here are the 10 briefest tenures in league history.
10. Nathan Jones (Southampton, 94 days)
Hailed for his success at Luton, Jones lasted just over three months at Southampton, clashing with fans and citing “xG” stats to defend his tactics before being sacked.
9. Terry Connor (Wolves, 91 days)
Promoted from assistant after Mick McCarthy’s exit, Connor failed to turn around Wolves’ fortunes as they lost seven straight games and were relegated.
8. Quique Sánchez Flores (Watford, 85 days)
Returning for a second spell in 2019, Flores’ Watford suffered an 8-0 thrashing by Manchester City, sealing his fate after one win in 10 matches.
7. Bob Bradley (Swansea, 84 days)
The first American Premier League manager managed just eight points in 11 games, as Swansea’s defensive woes proved fatal to his tenure.
6. Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace, 77 days)
José Mourinho once branded De Boer the “worst manager in Premier League history.” Palace failed to score a single goal under his short reign.
5. Rene Meulensteen (Fulham, 75 days)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant lasted barely two months at Fulham before Felix Magath replaced him.
4. Javi Gracia (Leeds United, 71 days)
Tasked with saving Leeds in 2023, Gracia was sacked after conceding four or more goals in four of his final seven matches.
3. Les Reed (Charlton, 41 days)
Nicknamed “Les Misérables,” Reed won one of seven games before being replaced by Alan Pardew.
2. Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest, 39 days)
Failed to win any of his eight games before Forest showed him the door.
1. Sam Allardyce (Leeds United, 30 days)
Brought in as a survival specialist, “Big Sam” couldn’t save Leeds and left after just four matches.