Gary Johnson sacked: Cheltenham Town become first Football League club to sack manager this season
League Two side dismiss Johnson after just two matches but may not be the last to make a premature decision
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Gary Johnson was sacked by Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, becoming the first managerial casualty of the 2018/19 season among the Football League.
After just four games into the new campaign, the 62-year-old was given his marching orders following the 1-1 draw with Macclesfield that leaves Cheltenham in 22nd place and above the relegation zone merely on goal difference, having picked up their first point of the season against 23rd-place Macclesfield.
But even by English football’s standards, the dismissal before the end of August is extremely early in the season – though it may not be the last premature dismissal to come.
Here, we look at five bosses whose position is in potential peril.
Jose Mourinho (Manchester United)
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho is now in his third season at Old Trafford. Tensions have bubbled just under the surface for much of the summer, with such issues coming to the fore in the wake of Sunday's 3-2 Premier League humiliation at Brighton. United have backed Mourinho amid renewed speculation over his future, but the manager has made his frustration clear about the failure to significantly strengthen his squad, leading to suggestions of a fallout with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Steve McClaren (QPR)
The ex-England boss was booed off after a fourth straight Championship defeat on Tuesday night, as QPR lost 3-0 at home to Bristol City. Rangers, who lost 7-1 at West Brom on Saturday, are still to pick up a point under McClaren. "I knew this was a tough job and it wouldn't happen overnight," he said. "The message to the supporters, and it's a difficult one, is patience. Am I determined to put this right? Yes."
Manuel Pellegrini (West Ham)
Could the Chilean, a Premier League winner with Manchester City, be under pressure? After heavily spending on reinforcements this summer, he has overseen defeats to Liverpool and Bournemouth in West Ham's opening two games. Pellegrini will need to shift the momentum, otherwise his position will be in jeopardy.
Karl Robinson (Oxford)
Oxford have high aspirations, but four losses from four games is not fulfilling their goals at present. Former MK Dons and Charlton boss Robinson's primary target after a difficult season last term is mid-table, but the mediocrity so far leaves the U's in the mire.
Kevin Nolan (Notts County)
Notts County are at the foot of the Football League after collecting only one point from four matches. Following Tuesday night's 3-2 loss at Newport, Nolan said: "The lads have gifted the opposition three goals again tonight. We're getting it wrong at key moments in the game and it's simply not good enough for me." The comments will either have the desired effect, or... well, it is a gamble from the former West Ham and Newcastle captain.
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