Managing a team in the Premier League is one of the toughest experiences a football boss can endure because of multiple factors. Loyalty towards the manager from the boardroom and stands has all but disappeared from the modern game. A string of poor performances can turn a manager from folk hero to devil's child, with no remorse shown by anyone involved. Furthermore, the results driven industry is also motivated by financial rewards more than competing for trophies, no matter how prestigious. Finishing in the top four or preventing relegation is always seen as more important than winning a cup.
Despite the hardships, managers from across the globe attempt to test themselves in this renowned division. Failures are regular, but there are those who are given chance after chance to get it right. Take Andre Villas-Boas. He was nothing short of a disaster at Chelsea, alienating the media, fans and players. He lasted all of 20 games at Stamford Bridge before being let go by Roman Abramovich. This did not put off Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy, who believed Villas-Boas to be a suitable long term candidate to replace Harry Redknapp. We all know how this has ended and it is safe to assume that this is the last time a Premier League club will trust the Portuguese boss again.
So, that leads us to who can be trusted by an English top flight team once again despite their previous failures in the Premier League? The following managers are currently clubless and it could be argued that they deserve another chance to be successful in the Premier League.
1. Alex McLeish
It has been reported that Nottingham Forest Manager Alex McLeish has left the club by mutual consent, after only seven games since taking charge
Scottish manager Alex McLeish is the first on the list and he has had two spells in the Premier League already. Alex McLeish took charge of Birmingham City in November 2007, but was unable to keep the Blues in the Premier League. He did lead them directly back up the following year and even took Birmingham City on a 12 match unbeaten run in their return season in the top flight.
The season after, he led Birmingham City to victory in the League Cup, but got relegated. McLeish then decided to jump ship to bitter local rivals Aston Villa, but had a relatively unsuccessful period with the claret and blue side. McLeish has since had an unhappy stint at Nottingham Forest, but a return to the Premier League may be due.
His decent spell with Birmingham City suggests that he can cut it in the Premier League and it would be interesting to see how he would last in the current league.
2. Alan Shearer
Next on the list is Alan Shearer. The former striker only took charge of the final eight games of the season for Newcastle in April 2009, but failed to prevent the Magpies from being relegated.
A return to the Premier League, however, is something I am sure that Shearer and many football fans will want to see. Does he have what it takes to manage a team full time? Only an opportunity will tell.
3. Roberto Di Matteo
Head coach Roberto Di Matteo of Chelsea FC during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Juventus and Chelsea FC at Juventus Arena on 20 November, 2012 in Turin, Italy
Roberto Di Matteo also deserves another go at the Premier League. The Italian boss first took charge of Milton Keynes Dons and secured a third place finish in League One. He then became manager of West Bromwich Albion and in his first season achieved promotion to the Premier League.
In the following year, West Brom started well, but a dip in form was enough for the West Brom board to get rid of the well liked Di Matteo. Then there was his well-documented stint at Chelsea after replacing the sacked Andre Villas-Boas. He finished fifth in the league, but won the Champions League. The following year he was sacked once again after poor performances.
Roberto Di Matteo has shown himself to be a decent manager, both tactically and by motivating his players. Winning the Champions League is no small feat, while his successful periods with MK Dons and West Brom aren't to be sniffed at.
Di Matteo is due another chance in the Premier League, but one with a team that will give him an opportunity to create a team in his image.
4. Roy Keane
Assistant manager Roy Keane of Republic of Ireland looks on during a training session at Gannon Park on 12 November, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland
Roy Keane is another who could do well with another club in the Premier League. He took charge of Sunderland, got them promoted from the Championship at the first attempt and won the manager of the year award in the process. Roy Keane's experience in the Premier League was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, however, with Sunderland bouncing from good spells to bad.
Keane did have an unsuccessful period at Ipswich Town after resigning as Sunderland boss, but there are those who feel that Keane has what it takes for top flight football. He is currently the assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland national team, but Keane is a driven and disciplined individual who could achieve a lot in the Premier League.
That concludes this list of jobless managers that could be in line for a return to the Premier League. Do you agree with the list or would you add to it?
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