Sammy Lee Leaves... Finally - Who's Next For Their P45?

So Wee Sam has been handed his marching orders, after being unable to fill Big Sam's shoes (both literally and metaphorically). Bolton never seemed to be able to get going under the wee man, and despite a recent undefeated run, the Trotters looked lacklustre and a shadow of their former selves.

So who'll be next to follow Mr Lee out of the Premier League's ever revolving door? Here's our assessment:



5. Rafa Benitez
Club: Liverpool
Expected Departure Date: May 2008
Why?: Liverpool are desperately seeking their first ever Premier League title. Despite recent excellent European form, the Reds board will be expecting full domestic glory this time round following high-spending over the summer. With Arsenal, Man Utd and Man City above them already in the league, Rafa's rotating may cost him and his side dear.
Replacement?: A high-profile European coach, the likes of Hiddink, Van Basten and Capello will be floated around.



4. Steve Bruce
Club: Birmingham City
Expected Departure Date: May 2008
Why?: After Hong Kong Tycoon Carson Yeung took hold of a 29.9% stake in the Blues, Bruce's job has been under scrutiny. Apparently Yeung is a bit of a meddler, saying that the club will be signing more Hong Kong players soon to raise the profile of the tiny country. Bruce has said that he will walk if anyone intervenes, refusing to be an owner's puppet... don't expect him to be lasting then.
Replacement?: Ideally, a front for the orchestrating owner, so anyone who's managed for Hearts then.



3. Billy Davies
Club: Derby County
Expected Departure Date: December 2007
Why?: Has anyone else noticed that he licks his lips excessively while giving interviews? Well, anyway, he will probably get the sack before Christmas so somebody can start winning games for Derby. 5 points and 22 goals conceded so far speaks for itself, and the Rams' directors will be looking for a new head to guide them to safety.
Replacement?: Someone who has been in similar dogfights before and come out on top, but Redknapp and Robson are currently occupied... em...



2. Avram Grant
Club: Chelsea
Expected Departure Date: December 2007
Why?: Lacks the flair, style, tactical nous and will to turn Chelsea into a winning machine again. If Abramovich got rid of Mourinho for winning but not playing attractive football, then you can probably expect the ordinary one to follow suit.
Replacement?: There has already been much speculation regarding who should take over from Grant, but I still reckon that Van Basten is well worth a shout.



1. Martin Jol
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Expected Departure Date: Ages ago
Why?: It's something of a miracle that Jol has stayed in his job for this long. A defence that's leaking goals like there's no tomorrow, coupled with an overpriced and under performing attack force, Big Martin should have met his demise ages ago. He has to be thankful for Juande Ramos turning down an approach from the Spurs, but this man seems forever to be one bad result away from the sack.
Replacement?: Well not Ramos, that's for sure. The London club pulled off a major coup when they landed Jacques Santini a few years back, so don't be surprised if they get someone of a similar calibre. Mourinho, anyone? :-)

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