Changing of managers, the League One shakeup and September awards – Talk the Football League c

Football, credit; Pixabay

Managerial outgoings have dominated the past weeks headlines with Reading, Barnsley and Sunderland parting ways with Jose Gomes, Daniel Stendel and Jack Ross, respectively. No replacements have yet been announced and it could cause a merry-go-round of managerial changes with Millwall also on the look for a new gaffer. League One is seeing a shake-up this season with the pre-season favourites Portsmouth and Sunderland struggling as the smaller teams take their place towards the summit. Also this past week the ever debatable monthly awards were announced all of this and more in the weeks talk the football league column… Tchau Jose Jose Gomes ended his tenure at Reading this past week after less than a year in Berkshire. The Portuguese manager saved the Royals from relegation last year, but more importantly he brought the fans back on side. However, this campaign he only managed to rack up eight points seeing the Royals currently in the drop zone. Gomes was heavily backed over the summer by the owners with what looked like a series of good signings, but ultimately something didn’t click. Reading never looked dominated in games and were often on par with opponents if it weren’t, and I hate the term, for fine margins. It’s understandable why the owners looked to sack Jose, but with the calibre of replacements being heavily linked, in Mark Hughes and their sporting director Mark Bowen, it probably would have been better to stick with their man especially as it looked like results were coming soon – the team performances were there but not individual ones. A manager who spoke good talk, was great with the fans and had the right ideas about football, but unfortunately that doesn’t win you matches.

Madejski Stadium, credit; Wikicommons (Mark Hillary)

Changing of managers Daniel Stendel and Jack Ross joined Jose Gomes in departing ways with their clubs this past week. Stendel stepped down following a disappointing start and building tensions behind the scenes, although he was seen with fans in the pub later on with the rounds on him, no doubt he’ll be missed in Yorkshire. While Jack Ross, much to the delight of most Sunderland fans, was axed from the Black Cats following a poor start; amongst other issues. As a result of all the changings this could cause a big changing of manages throughout League One and the Championship with many clubs, rightly so, all said to be chasing Gareth Ainsworth. It would be great to see him have a chance in a higher division, given his success with Wycombe. League One shake up Before the season began Sunderland and Portsmouth would have been strong favourites to be top of the table, but as we enter November Sunderland are 8th and Portsmouth somehow are 13th.The Black Cats looking back, perhaps, have a bit of big club mentality about them as their squad isn ‘t probably as good as people think and that is certainly showing. Portsmouth meanwhile are having a car crash start with the only noticeable departures Jamal Lowe and Matt Clarke, perhaps their importance was under-rated but generally they are playing poorly – maybe another manager could be soon set to go.

EFL logo, credit; WikiCommons (EFL)

September Awards Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi took the managerial accolade in the Championship and rightly so after making Forest the strong side they were expected to be following a great summer window. The Reds added two clean sheets and climbed to second in the division. Chey Dunkley took the player award following three goals in a side that struggle to find the net from centre-back, not without a few crackers. League One saw Joey Barton take the award with his impressive climb up the table with Fleetwood, as Jonson Clark-Harris took the player trophy following an equally impressive rise with Bristol Rovers – both perhaps unexpectedly high in the table. Michael Duff took the League Two manager award with Cheltenham after 13 points from five games and James Clarke of Walsall took the player accolade keeping four clean sheets in five and also scoring an amazing bicycle-kick.

Why not check out last weeks column here looking at the dismal Derby situation, stupid managerial errors and sour owners. Don’t forget to follow Talk the Football League Twitter to hear all the latest Football League news and join in on the discussions @TalktheFL.

By Sam Greasley-Machin

#Football #LeagueOne #LeagueTwo #Millwall #Soccer #Reading #BristolRovers #Championship #Sunderland #Wigan #Barnsley #Cheltenham #Walsall #NottinghamForest #Fleetwood #FootballLeague