It's a sad fact that a number of Premier League managers are likely to lose their jobs over the coming months. A few negative results and it seems that in the present age nobody is immune from speculation surrounding their future.
Indeed, in the Championship this weekend, Mark Robins left his post at Huddersfield Town with just one match played!
The Premier League gets underway this weekend and bizarrely, some managers are under pressure before a ball has even been kicked. Here, Sports Mole picks out five bosses that could be worried for their jobs if results don't go their way early on.
1. Sam Allardyce, West Ham United
It's something of a surprise that 'Big Sam' has remained in the Upton Park hotseat over the summer. You will not find many West Ham fans that were pleased to learn that following talks with the board - and the promise that the team will play a more attractive brand of football - Allardyce was to stay on. The Hammers faithful have grown tired of their manager's direct style, so much so that some recent home victories have been met with jeers, much to Allardyce's disgust. The relationship between the 59-year-old and the fans appears to be at breaking point and a few poor results could force the owners to act.
2. Paul Lambert, Aston Villa
Like Allardyce, it seemed certain that Lambert would be looking for alternative employment this summer. Under his management, Villa have struggled over the previous two campaigns, showing little sign of improvement in the process. In keeping with their West Ham counterparts, the majority of the Villa supporters want a change at the helm. Between September and October, Villa face a five-match spell against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton. It's a period that may bring an end to the Scot's spell in charge of the club.
3. Alan Pardew, Newcastle United
When Pardew headbutted Hull City midfielder David Meyler last term, it was thought that he would lose his job on Tyneside as a result. Owner Mike Ashley stuck by the 53-year-old, though, and has even handed him some funds to recruit a number of players over recent weeks. Now, Ashley will want to see a return for his outlay, which puts plenty of pressure on Pardew, who never seems too far away from the sack, to deliver the goods. Pardew is the second longest-serving manager in the Premier League behind Arsene Wenger, but a bad start could prompt Ashley to wield the axe.
4. Nigel Pearson, Leicester City
After suffering disappointment in the playoffs the previous season, Pearson guided Leicester to the Championship title last season and in some style as well. Yet, that will count for little if the Foxes struggle for wins during the opening weeks. It's often looked upon unfavourably, but the powers that be at newly-promoted clubs tend to get itchy feet when their teams are beaten on a regular basis. They have a tough start, but in October and November, Leicester play the likes of Burnley, Swansea City, West Brom, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers. Those are the fixtures that could well decide Pearson's future.
5. Alan Irvine, West Bromwich Albion
Last term, the Baggies ploughed through three different managers and only just stayed up. Pepe Mel oversaw survival, but the Spaniard was relieved of his duties soon after the final game. A host of names were linked with the post, but there were few West Brom fans that were inspired when David Moyes's former assistant at Everton - Irvine - was given the responsibility. He's acted quickly in the transfer market, breaking the club's transfer record in the process by signing striker Brown Ideye. Irvine will need his new players to gel quickly because as they showed last season, the West Brom board will not hesitate to call time on his tenure.
