The Premier League managerial merry-go-round is gathering pace with Martin Jol confirmed as new manager of Bodog-sponsored Fulham Football Club (Yes, there are now TWO MJ’s at Craven Cottage). Mark Hughes departed the post last week for pastures new and showed that soccer’s hope of a summer solstice is not going to materialize. There are still a couple of spots to be filled and Jol’s appointment only really confirms that Avram Grant won’t get a chance to take another team to the Championship. Yes Avram, we know you get teams to cup semi finals but for some that’s not enough. Sorry.
Currently, only two other jobs are open at Aston Villa and Chelsea. Hughes is still favored by a number of the bookies to fill the gap at Villa Park. This could be clouded should they go after one of the other infinitely better managers in charge at other Premier League clubs. Roberto Martinez or Owen Coyle could be ideal men to take charge at the club and likely to court a lot less controversy than Hughes.
Then there’s Chelsea.
All fingers are currently pointing towards former boss Guus Hiddink leaving Turkey for West London and taking the club back to the top of the table. If this falls through, it’s hard to imagine who would want to take on the poisoned chalice. Roman Abramovich becoming manager himself could be a very outside possibility as would be the return of Avram Grant in some capacity. How he continues to get jobs baffles even the best of us. His expert knowledge of brothels must stand him in good stead.
In the same part of the world as Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers may also see a shake up. The club hasn’t moved in the transfer market yet this summer despite the other two promoted sides, Norwich and Swansea, making significant signings. It may mean that Colin Wanker is show the door and an Italian with proven pedigree appointed. End result = probable relegation.
All this before you think about the lavish amount that will be spent on players that will never live up to all the hype. Don’t you just love the world of soccer?!
