Next on the Chopping Block

Managers - they have one of the toughest jobs in football. Generally they are the first person to go when a team is struggling or failing.

A study in 2015 found that the life expectancy for managers in English football is just 1.23 years. Who 'd want to manage a football team with that lack of job security!

This could not have been more apparent with Claudio Ranieri's shock departure this week. As we push closer to the end of the current season, we take a closer look at the next manager most likely to get punted by their team.

David Moyes - Sunderland

With the Black Cats firmly sitting on the bottom of the table, you would think it is only a matter of time before a change will be needed at The Stadium of Light. Moyes has battled all season and if it wasn't for Jermaine Defoe I dare say he would have been gone a long time ago.

Moyes' time at the club has only yielded a 26% win rate and as such, Sunderland yet again find themselves in the relegation dog fight. Moyes said this week "I still think we can win three or four games somewhere – and we are going to have to do that in the run-in.”

Moyes will have to ensure this comes to fruition quickly in order to keep his job. The Board must be surely already be discussing yet another change in leadership to ensure their survival.

Aitor Karanka - Middlesborough

Karanka has been at the helm since November of 2013 and oversaw Boro's rise back to the Premier League after a long hiatus. He has been Middlesborough's most successful manager that has been at the helm for more than 50 games. His current win rate is above 50% and some would argue it would be harsh based on those facts to consider letting Karanka go.

Boro's current league position though tells a different story. They currently sit 17th only above the relegation zone on goal difference. Boro have only managed 4 wins and scored just 19 goals (both lowest in league). If not for Alvaro Negredo having an impact up front, we could have seen Boro in a much more perilous position.

They have though managed to only concede 28 goals (equal 5th best) which rates them among the best in the league.

Karanka has a certain style of play which he has ingrained in the Boro players and I think they would be mad to let a manager of his pedigree go - as long as he can keep them up.

After Boro's loss to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, Karanka commented

"If I don't believe, I go home". These words could be no more true to a manager that is battling survival.

Marco Silva

Silva took over from Mike Phelan after he was dumped after just two wins in 15 games in charge as manager. After Hull's disastrous start to the season and Silva's appointment, the Tigers have managed a further four wins and now lie a point from safety with 12 games remaining.

Silva's record has not been particularly flash and this could see him replaced before season's end with Hull well and truly battling for survival.

Hull's owner Ahmed Elmohamady has come out this week in defence of his Manager claiming Hull has “returned to a new club” under the leadership of Silva. This would be the strongest sign yet that Hull are backing their man in the survival race.

Paul Clement - Swansea

Swansea have had a tumultuous season with managers, already dismissing Francesco Guidolin after less than a year in charge and Bob Bradley who only lasted a measly 85 days.

Clement has managed to put three wins on the board and Swansea seem to be rejuvenated under the former Real Madrid assistant. The Swans have certainly come out of their shell in recent weeks even managing to upset Liverpool 3-2 with a more attacking gameplan.

Discussing their current position, Clement said “There’s arguably more pressure. The players know that but they’ve coped with it very well recently. I think we’ve continued to improve our performances and our shape"

It is hard to see Swansea parting ways with another manager this season especially after the impact that Clement has shown at the club. The Premier League is a fickle league though as shown by the dismissal of Ranieri.

Slaven Bilic - West Ham

West Ham have had a disappointing season after the heights they reached last year, finishing just out of the European places. They did though end up qualifying for the Europa League thanks to Manchester United's in FA Cup.

Some would say that the move to the Olympic Stadium has muted the home fans somewhat although arguably the rumours and subsequent summer departure of Dimitri Payet has contributed to their poor performances this season

Bilic's men got off to a slow start and found themselves near the bottom of the table before a mid season revival has seen them rise to as high as 9th place.

West Ham will have to improve quickly to top the 16 wins they recorded last season. If not, the constant rumours surrounding Bilic's job could come true. This though could be a necessary decision for the Hammers' hierarchy if they want their team to crack the Top 6 of English Football.