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And so it begins.  Within  a few days of the season drawing to a close the traditional managers merry-go-round begins.  In fact it started a few days before then with Sam Allerdyce resigning at Bolton.

Then the first post season casualty as Glen Roederer gets the sack. No surprise there really with the Newcastle fans and Freddy Shepherd notoriously impatient.  I have to feel some sympathy with Glen though.  He has suffered from a list of injuries not least Michael Owen, who has appeared in only 13 games for the £16M they have paid and now looks like trying to leave.  Proof if it were ever needed that footballers, or their agents at least have absolutely no conscience.  Owen has a clause allowing him to leave for £9M - a great bit of business Mr Shepherd!

There was of course no surprise at all when Big Sam stepped straight into the vacant spot at St James’ Park.  Obviously all worked out well in advance.  It remains to be seen if Sam can convince Owen to stay and instill some discipline in the changing room where it appears that the players have taken over.

Then Paul Jewell resigns after keeping Wigan in the Premiership the day before.  A slight surprise until you hear that Stuart Pearce has been sacked by Manchester City.  I wonder who will take over there?  It appears the Manchester City board have still not worked out that one of the key ingredients to success is stability.  Trying to keep up with the local rivals they have continually swapped managers and coaches in a bid to find a winning formula.  The best thing they can do is give the new manager (whoever it might be), the chance to prove himself over a 3-5 year period rather than a handful of games or one season.  At least Pearce is not going to be paid for the next 4 years, having declined that option in his contract, which will be a relief to the board.  The monthly outgoings on managers salaries must be bigger than it is for the players there.

Then today Neil Warnock has resigned.  The charismatic Sheffield United manager has made a lot of friends this season with his direct and amusing outlook on the game.  I wonder where he is heading?  If I was Dennis Wise though I would be looking over my shoulder nervously, with Leeds just a few miles up the road.

Finally there is the self proclaimed “Special One”.  My money says that win or lose on Saturday and I think they will lose, although I am hoping for a cracking game, he will go over the summer.  Who will replace him?  A certain Mr Eriksson is still on the market and knows English football well - or at least he should do!