By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer |
The countdown to the Premiership season is under way and already several high-profile managers are feeling the heat.
 Keegan is the bookies' favourite in the sack race |
Liverpool's Gerard Houllier was sacked for finishing fourth last season, a demonstration of the fierce pressure top-flight managers now face.
And as new arrivals Rafael Benitez, Jacques Santini and Jose Mourinho prepare to embark on their English careers, others will feel less secure.
So who is safe in the hot-seat and who may have to fear for their future?
KEVIN KEEGAN: Manchester City's boss needs a good start after a dismal season last time out, when his side were threatened with the drop. Has toughened up his defence with the signings of Ben Thatcher and Danny Mills, but needs more up front.
Nicolas Anelka will again be the biggest hope, along with the mercurial Shaun Wright-Phillips.
But Keegan will be in serious danger if old failings at the back are not cured and older players flop. (Odds 4-1)
DAVID MOYES: Everton's manager remains a hugely popular figure with supporters, but has been undermined by boardroom in-fighting. Moyes has lost a host of players and has only been able to bring in Marcus Bent, Tim Cahill and unknown Aussie defender Eddie Bosnar this summer.
He has rightly described his squad size as "ridiculous" and faces a serious fight to avoid relegation.
Moyes should be in no danger by anyone's logic, but every boardroom needs a scapegoat, no matter how unjustified (Odds: 5-1).
HARRY REDKNAPP: Portsmouth's boss has admitted he fears for their Premiership survival despite last season's miracle. Yet to be seen whether last season's public slanging match with chairman Milan Mandaric has left over any damage to their relationship. (Odds 7-1)
GRAEME SOUNESS: Blackburn's manager has a good relationship with his board and solid summer signings should see an improvement after a poor season. Should be safe barring a catastrophe, which would be a surprise. (Odds 9-2)
SIR BOBBY ROBSON: A bad start from Newcastle would put football's great statesman in serious peril. Chairman Freddy Shepherd has already called time on his career, and the threat of more under-achiecevement could hasten his departure (Odds 13-2).
GARY MEGSON: Megson should be safe at The Hawthorns after guiding West Brom to a second spell in the Premiership. Has splashed out in the summer and has persuaded the influential Jason Koumas to sign a new deal. (Odds 10-1.)
STEVE McCLAREN: More likely to leave for the England job than be sacked by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson. Gambled on the unpredictable talents of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka, but is secure after winning the Carling Cup last season. (Odds 14-1.)
PAUL STURROCK: Might just be a surprise casualty despite his Southampton reign only being in its infancy. Southampton's players are reportedly still unconvinced about his credentials and needs a good start. (Odds 14-1)
IAIN DOWIE: Should be untouchable after brilliantly guiding Palace into the Premiership via the play-offs. Will hope his good relationship with fiery chairman Simon Jordan continues in the top flight. (Odds 16-1.)
CHRIS COLEMAN: Fulham's young manager had an outstanding first season in the Premiership and has had an active summer in the transfer market. Lost Sean Davis, but hopes the threat of Andy Cole and Tomasz Radzinski will keep Fulham safe. (Odds 16-1.)
ALAN CURBISHLEY: Now a permanent fixture at The Valley and continuing to do an outstanding job. More likely to be a target for other clubs than shown the door, and will be looking for more progress. (Odds 25-1.)
NIGEL WORTHINGTON: Has done a magnificent job at Carrow Road in a quiet and professional manner. He faces a tough task to keep them in the top flight, but it is not beyond him. Unlikely to be in any danger barring complete meltdown. (Odds 25-1.)
SAM ALLARDYCE: A legendary figure at Bolton who has been doing his usual wheeling and dealing in the summer transfer market. On a long-term contract at The Reebok and impossible to imagine how Bolton would want that to change. (Odds 33-1.)
DAVID O'LEARY: Guided Villa to sixth last season, but has not been lavished with funds by chairman Doug Ellis. Excellent manager, who even the controversial Ellis might acknowledge is the best he will get. (Odds 33-1.)
SIR ALEX FERGUSON: Under the usual pressure to deliver, but will love the challenge of attempting to see off Arsenal and Chelsea. Ferguson's job is unlikely to be in danger, but undoubtedly needs a better season that last year. (Odds 33-1.)
JACQUES SANTINI: Tottenham's new man will be hoping to make a big impression after France's disappointment at failing to win Euro 2004. Part of a long-term Spurs plan and safe as houses. (Odds 40-1.)
RAFAEL BENITEZ: Liverpool's new man is in for the long haul and is at a haven of managerial security. (Odds 50-1.)
JOSE MOURINHO: Chelsea have invested in Mourinho's self-confidence and talent. Is as safe as anyone could ever be at this cash-crazy club. (Odds 50-1.)
STEVE BRUCE: Great relationship with Birmingham's power brokers, who regard him as an outsanding talent and is in no danger at all. (Odds 50-1)
ARSENE WENGER: Arsenal's brilliant manager has a job for life (Odds 66-1.)
MMIX
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