Mick McCarthy became the next Premier League manager to suffer the ignominy of being relieved of his duties on Monday morning, after an alarming slide towards the bottom in which his side had only garnered 13 points in 22 games.
There is no debate that it was a very poor run of results, but McCarthy was the man who took Wolves back into the top flight, and after almost 6 years it’s a huge call to axe him.
So, Jez Moxey, the club’s chief executive, has already been quoted as saying that it ‘isn’t a job for a novice’, and Alan Curbishley has been installed as the favourite. Steve Bruce is also said to be interested, but early indications point to the ex West Ham and Charlton boss as the first choice.
So, having been out of management for over 3 years now, is Curbishley the right man for the job? Wolves are on a terrible run, as highlighted above, and their place in the bottom three is perilous.
The 54 year old would be required to come in quickly and work his magic, and when he’s not been involved in the game it does ask the question of his ability to turn the fortunes around of the club. However, he does have track record, memorably leading West Ham to a stunning survival in the 2006/07 season, from a position when they looked doomed for relegation.
It’s clear to see that any appointment of Curbishley would be a risk, yet a potentially successful one. In my view, though, 3 years out of the game is long time, and perhaps too long. Another factor to consider would be that he resigned from West Ham after citing a lack of control over player transfers, such as the selling of Anton Ferdinand.
This is a key element to consider, as Steve Morgan (chairman of the Black Country side) is notable for his direct involvement. He recently came into the dressing room to give the players his thoughts after the 3 goal reverse to Liverpool, and it does again ask the question, would Curbishley tolerate such undermining of his responsibility?
With the stakes so high, possibly Alan Curbishley’s appointment would be too much of a risk. Potential other, safer options include Steve Bruce, Neil Warnock, Simon Grayson or Ian Holloway.
Looking at Bruce, he again has track record of avoiding relegation with Wigan and then Sunderland, and while he did suffer relegation at Birmingham, he would widely be regarded as a safe pair of hands. Wolves simply cannot afford to make a mistake with this decision, as slipping out of the top tier of English football would have such serious implications.
From the original noises being heard from the club Mick McCarthy was a popular man, with several players coming out in support of him, so they must choose the right man or risk upsetting the group of players.
It looks as though Bruce would be the right man, in my view, and the safest option, to lead Wanderers out of this situation and up the Premiership table. Their next game isn’t until February 25th at Newcastle, so there’s every possibility the new man will be in charge then.
Follow @ThePerfectPass on Twitter for details on all the latest updates and various football-related musings.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Couldn’t disagree more!
Bruce has spent a fortune in his managerial career with nothing much to show except avoiding the drop once or twice- McCarthy did that with a fraction of Bruce’s spend. As for him being a “safe pair of hands” he wasn’t seen that way by Sunderland. Look at the difference the new manager has made there with the same squad.
I would rather take the chance on Simon Grayson or Lee Clark than risk Bruce or Warnock (who has just managed to save a club once in the past- again not as good as Mick).
Curbishley has the stand out record of those who are around at the moment. His year after year performance at Charlton stands head and shoulders above the other potential contenders. I think the big question will be down to him and Steve Morgan agreeing terms.
Its looking like whoever takes on the task will be on a short term contract until the end of the season anyway. If whoever it is succeeds then they will get a longer term contract. If they fail we will be looking for the likes of Lee Clark or Simon Grayson to come in and rebuild.
Let’s hope we choose right and survive!
Is this a wind-up? Simon Grayson, Ian Holloway a safe pair of hands – to take Wolves down yes. How do you put them in front of Curbs i do not know. Have you forgotten what he did when he took over at West Ham with 9 games to go?
No to Bruce as well and no to Warnock both have just been sacked for the same reason as MM. Just look at the money that Bruce spent at Sunderland and he still could not get them playing well.