But if the bookies are to believed, the flame-haired Baggies boss might not last his first Premiership season at the Hawthorns.

Despite signing a new three-year contract recently, Megson is joint favourite to be out of a job before West Brom's first top-flight campaign in 16 years is over.

Under-fire Sunderland boss Peter Reid is also 4-6 to be shown the door at the Stadium of Light, after just managing to keep the Black Cats up in May.

Six Premiership managers lost their jobs last season, Derby leading the way by ditching Jim Smith, Colin Todd and caretaker boss Billy McEwan.

Stuart Gray at Southampton, Walter Smith at Everton and John Gregory at Aston Villa also justified the bookies' predictions by parting company before the end of the campaign.

David O'Leary was on his summer holidays when he was handed his P45 at Leeds, and he was deemed to be the second safest of all Premiership bosses 12 months ago.

Here BBC Sport Online assesses the prospects of each club's manager surviving this year's sack race.

Arsenal (Arsene Wenger):
After leading the Gunners to the Double last year, Wenger is considered the safest of all Premiership bosses. New long-term contract has cemented his position.
Survival chances: 100%

Aston Villa (Graham Taylor):
Tempted back to top-flight management, Taylor needs a good start to convince fans - and chairman Doug Ellis - he was the right choice to make Villa a genuine force.
Survival chances: 60%

Birmingham City (Steve Bruce):
Not known for hanging around clubs too long, Bruce has nevertheless already succeeded where Trevor Francis failed. Could find going tough but should stick this one out.
Survival chances: 85%

Blackburn Rovers (Graeme Souness):
Already has one trophy in the credit bank and having signed a new contract recently and made some astute purchases, Souness should lead Rovers into the top ten.
Survival chances: 90%

Bolton Wanderers (Sam Allardyce):
'Big Sam' made some eclectic signings to keep Bolton in the Premiership, and for a club almost certain to be involved in the relegation dogfight, his position is safer than most.
Survival chances: 75%

Charlton Athletic (Alan Curbishley):
May feel he has taken the Addicks as far as he can after 11 years at the Valley, Curbishley has aspirations of managing a bigger club but unlikely to be handed his P45.
Survival chances: 80%

Chelsea (Claudio Ranieri):
Looked as if he was on his way six months ago, but steadied the Chelsea ship. Will need to be challenging for honours though to keep fans - and chairman - on side.
Survival chances: 65%

Everton (David Moyes):
Impressed immediately when his arrival was the spark to secure Premiership status, the Scot neverthless needs time if he is to restore Everton to the league's higher ecehelons.
Survival chances: 90%

Fulham (Jean Tigana):
Franco Baresi's arrival as director of football has made Tigana's position appear more vulnerable. No contract beyond the season's end, and may be gone before then.
Survival chances: 50%

Leeds United (Terry Venables):
Having decided David O'Leary was not the man to win trophies, the Leeds board will expect El Tel to bring success. Should relish tactical battles with Fergie and co.
Survival chances: 90%

Liverpool (Gerard Houllier):
Having recovered from heart problems, and restored Liverpool to championship contenders, Houllier's place at Anfield is secure. Will not rest until title is won.
Survival chances: 95%

Manchester City (Kevin Keegan):
King Kev inspired a goal-laden jaunt back into the top flight, and will relish being back among the Premiership big fish. But impulsive nature always leaves the exit door ajar.
Survival chances: 70%

Manchester United (Sir Alex Ferguson):
Enthused by decision to delay retirement, and determined to wrest the title back from Arsenal. Fergie's improved relationship with United board makes him almost fireproof.
Survival chances: 95%

Middlesbrough (Steve McLaren):
Tempted by the Leeds vacancy, McLaren has already demonstrated his credentials by leading Boro to mid-table. Summer signings indicate his intent to improve that further.
Survival chances: 85%

Newcastle United (Sir Bobby Robson):
Amazing enthusiasm and dedication in his 70th year, Sir Bobby is adored by players, fans and board alike. A Champions League campaign should keep his energy levels high.
Survival chances: 95%

Southampton (Gordon Strachan):
Guided Saints to mid-table to restore his reputation, Strachan may find it tough to make further progress. Touchline ranting could intensify if they make usual slow start.
Survival chances: 65%

Sunderland (Peter Reid):
Under more pressure than any other boss as the season kicks off, demanding fans will not tolerate a repeat of last season. Reid may even quit if levels of current abuse continue.
Survival chances: 50%

Tottenham Hotspur (Glenn Hoddle):
Restored traditional swagger but still some way to go to find recipe for success. But Hoddle's popularity with fans and tactical ability are insurance against the sack.
Survival chances: 90%

West Bromwich Albion (Gary Megson):
Money rows with previous chairman may have abated, but Megson knows that early-season strugglers are traditionally first to cull managers. Needs a solid start to prove himself.
Survival chances: 65%

West Ham United (Glenn Roeder):
Last year's sack race favourite proved doubters wrong by recovering from a poor start to lead Hammers to seventh place. Hard task to maintain progress, but has personnel.
Survival chances: 85%