Hughes Set For Chop As Ex-Mancs Struggle To Follow Sir Alex!

Last updated : 22 December 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
The World's Richest Club is facing relegation, as Hughes saw his side crash to bottom club West Brom, and the sack is just hours away.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes football is in the age of the "disposable manager".

Joe Kinnear said yesterday (after the win over Spurs): "I am still at Newcastle because results are going our way. Winning is what matters to any manager".

O'Neill: "I think for a number of years we have been in the age of the disposable manager. I really do.

"I don't get paranoid about. I do get concerned about it. I am not fire-proof. You have to win football games to become fire-proof.

"That is the nature of the game. You must try to keep on top of things so forgive me if I didn't get carried away by people telling me Villa would go third if we won on Saturday (at West Ham).

"Nothing surprises me in the game anymore but then I've held that view for quite some considerable time.

"I don't think managers are being given a decent crack of the whip. It is getting harder and harder for young managers trying to make their mark.

"For example Paul Ince (at Blackburn) hadn't had much chance to bring in players he would feel comfortable with and to have his own team. It seemed as if he was in the job three minutes.

"The fear of relegation is part of it and you are not getting much of a chance and being judged purely on results. I accept we are in the results business.

"But 14-15 games doesn't seemed a lengthy time to find out about your reserves, yet alone the first team.

"What is the secret of success as a manager? Just to try to sign good players. It is very important. The players are so important to any success at the club.

"I accept there is a head of the club that has to be responsible for it but the team itself is the most important issue.

"When the players are playing well, and with confidence and win games, everyone is delighted and the manager is good.

"When the team is losing, the manager is pathetic. At the moment we are doing okay, but my turn to be pathetic will be in about three weeks' time!"