When we turn to sports pages of a newspaper and see a headline that makes us double take then it could be down to an unexpected resignation or firing of a Premier League manager. But when managerial appointments themselves raise that many eyebrows all of us in the football world simply scratch our heads. From returning ‘messiahs’ to left of left-field decision, we cast our eye over 5 managerial appointments that shook football.
KEVIN KEEGAN, NEWCASTLE UNITED
Looking to replicate his 90’s managerial success with the Magpies the footballing legend that is Kevin Keegan decided to try his luck once more back in 2008 when he took up his second term as Newcastle United’s manager. Keegan picked up where big Sam Allardyce left off but it wasn’t long before relationships between the new manager and the board were beginning to somewhat fray. Keegan didn’t feel he was getting enough financial support in order to drive the Toon up the table which eventually led to his resignation and a subsequent arbitration payout.
EDGAR DAVIDS, BRIXTON UNITED
Dutch football star Edgar Davids caused tongues to start wagging when suddenly he was in the headlines again this time in his new, and surprising, role as manager for Sunday league amateur side Brixton United. It was thanks to this role and his North London residency that helped him gain the top job at League Two side Barnet. He joined the Bees in 2012 as a player and joint head coach alongside Mark Robson but his abilities on the pitch didn’t translate from the manager’s bench. Robson left a couple of months later leaving Davids full responsibility for the team who unfortunately become relegated back to the Conference. Davids left just a few games in the following season.
DAVID MOYES, MANCHESTER UNITED
In all honesty it was going to be a tough role to fill but when long-term Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson finally retired from the game there was certainly a large hole left at Old Trafford. Unfortunately for fellow Scot David Moyes, who was lucky enough to land the role, things never ran smoothly. It was already surprising enough to see Moyes arrive at Man U especially as whispers of greater managers had been thrown about leading up to the appointment and with the former Everton man in charge United suffered their worst ever start to a Premier League season.
REMI GARDE, ASTON VILLA
If you follow betting news sites like accumulatortips.org.uk then you’ll know that many are tipping Aston Villa for relegation already at this stage of the season with the Midland’s club sitting firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. So they have pinned all their hopes on the arrival of their new manager Remi Garde to be the driving force behind the team hopefully escaping that dreaded drop. After stepping down from his managerial role at Lyon 17 months ago for personal reasons the Frenchman is the surprising choice to help the struggling Claret and Blue Army.
DIEGO MARADONA, AL-WASL F.C.
Argentinean football star Diego Maradona has always been a lively and controversial figure in the footballing world and despite his lack of experience and not so notable managerial experience he managed to land the Argentina national football team coach role. After lackluster results and more controversy the board decided not to renew his contract and in 2011 he took up the surprising managerial role at Dubai side Al-Wasl F.C. And it was just one year into his two year contract where both Maradona and the whole technical team got the boot.
