The Premier League has seen its fair share of short-lived managerial experiments, but a few stand out for just how quickly things fell apart.
From desperate rescue attempts to projects that never found their footing, these five managers barely had time to settle in the Premier League before being shown the exit.
Sam Allardyce – Leeds United (30 days)
Leeds United turned to Sam Allardyce in May 2023, hoping the veteran could pull off one more great escape. He arrived with only four games left in the season, but the miracle never came.
Leeds drew once and lost three times under his leadership, sealing their relegation. Appointed on May 3 and gone by June 30, Allardyce’s win rate stood at zero percent.
Ange Postecoglou – Nottingham Forest (39 days)
Ange Postecoglou’s brief stay at Nottingham Forest was just as chaotic. He was appointed on September 9, 2025, and dismissed by October 18. Forest went eight matches without a single victory, drawing twice and losing six times. With a 0 per cent win ratio and a 75 per cent loss rate, his 39-day reign was over before it ever really began.
Javi Gracia – Leeds United (69 days)
Many remember Javi Gracia’s Watford stint, but his truly short spell came at Leeds United. He was appointed on February 24, 2023, and sacked by May 2, lasting just over two months.
Leeds managed only three wins in twelve matches, drawing twice and losing six. His 25 per cent win ratio told the story of a side in freefall. Just days after his exit, the club turned to Sam Allardyce, but even that couldn’t stop their slide into the Championship.
René Meulensteen – Fulham (75 days)
René Meulensteen’s time at Fulham in the 2013-14 season was as brief as it was difficult. Taking over on December 1, 2013, he lasted only until February 14 the next year.
Across 17 matches, Fulham won four, drew three, and lost ten. That gave him a 23.5 per cent win record and little time to steady a struggling side.
Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace (77 days)
Frank de Boer’s ill-fated spell at Crystal Palace remains one of the most infamous in recent memory. Appointed on July 1, 2017, and sacked by September 11, he oversaw just five games in total.
Palace failed to score in any of their four Premier League fixtures, losing them all. The only win came in the EFL Cup. His record left him with a 20 per cent win ratio and an 80 per cent loss rate, marking an abrupt end to his Premier League dream.
