Not every Premier League manager is destined to become a Sir Alex Ferguson or a Pep Guardiola.
The majority spend a few seasons at a club before moving on, and if they’re super lucky, they may just win a trophy along the way. But among the never-ending carousel of incoming Premier League bosses, there are a few where you simply have to stop and wonder, “When on Earth did that happen?!”
Here, Daily Star Sport brings you an homage to the forgotten ones. Ten of the English top flight’s least memorable managers and what they’re up to now.
READ MORE: Neil Warnock ‘unretires’ at 74 to take Huddersfield Town hotseat for second time
Nathan Jones – Southampton
(Image: PA)
The man. The legend. Southampton were rock bottom in the Premier League when potentially the least surprising announcement of the season was made. Jones had been sacked after suffering seven losses in his eight games in charge.
Unfortunately, the Saints appeared worse under the Welshman than his predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was given the boot in November. But Jones may yet be remembered for his array of bizarre quotes, including one after his last match in charge where he claimed the defeat was brought on by his side having an extra man on the pitch.
We eagerly await to see where Jones decides to go next as he seeks to turn around his managerial fortunes.
Who do you think is the most forgettable manager on the list? Let us know in the comments section below
Christian Gross – Tottenham
(Image: Getty Images)
Swiss boss Christian Gross took charge of Tottenham in 1997 after a successful spell with Grasshopper. But he attracted plenty of criticism following a run of poor results during his nine months at White Hart Lane.
An inexperienced Gross could not handle the pressure and was given the ‘You’re fired’ treatment by now-Lord Alan Sugar at the start of the 1998/99 season. He fared better as Basel manager in a 10 year stint from 1999 to 2009. And his most recent job was at Schalke from 2020 to 2021.
Steve Wigley – Southampton
(Image: Getty Images)
The original Nathan Jones. Steve Wigley was appointed caretaker manager of Southampton in 2004 before taking over from Paul Sturrock as the official boss.
A terrible run of results saw him manage the Saints for just 14 games before they went on to suffer relegation for the first time in 25 years. Wigley, 61, went on to manage Manchester City’s reserves, Bolton and Fulham’s youth sides, where he currently oversees the U23s.
Les Reed – Charlton Athletic
(Image: Getty Images)
Les Reed has the unfortunate honour of having one of the shortest reigns as a Premier League manager. He took charge of Charlton in November 2006 after Iain Dowie was sacked, having been assistant coach to the latter.
His six-week spell marked a torrid time for the Addicks, who won just one match in eight in that time. His 12.5% win ratio was enough to see him sacked on Christmas Eve just 41 days after his appointment.
Reed had far better luck as Southampton’s Head of Football Development at Southampton from 2010 to 2018. He was also the FA’s technical director from 2019-2020. Huge turnaround.
Dr Jozef Venglos – Aston Villa
(Image: Getty Images)
While it wasn’t yet known as the Premier League, Dr. Jozef Venglos was the first foreign manager to take over a British club in 1990, paving the way for legends like Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho to go on and spread their wings.
His Villa side had been tipped to compete for the title but instead finished just above the relegation zone as he was sacked at the end of the season. Venglos, who held a doctorate in physical education, last managed in Japan back in 2002. He died in January 2021 aged 84.
Rene Meulensteen – Fulham
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen was brought in during the 2013/14 season to stabilise Martin Jol’s side as a backroom member of staff. He took over as head coach three weeks later but was unable to steer a sinking ship to safety.
The Dutchman lasted just 13 league matches before getting the axe, winning just three as Fulham found themselves in deep trouble by February. His contract was terminated while the west London club went on to finish 19th under Felix Magath.
Meulensteen has gone on to coach Maccabi Haifa, Indian side Kerala Blasters and currently acts as the Australian national team’s assistant manager.
Bruce Rioch – Arsenal
(Image: Getty Images)
The passing of the mantle from George Graham to Arsene Wenger was anything but smooth. From February 1995 to October 1996, three caretaker managers and one permanent boss – Bruce Rioch – took charge of the Gunners.
Rioch’s reign can best be described as abrasive, having clashed with stars like Ian Wright, alienated players with his training methods and later fell out with the board over transfer funds, which earned him the sack.
However, he should be given his dues for bringing the Gunners’ first major superstar – Dennis Bergkamp – to the club in his year-long spell. Rioch is now retired at 75 after stints at Norwich, Wigan Athletic and two Danish clubs.
Pepe Mel – West Bromwich Albion
(Image: Getty Images)
Don’t remember him? We don’t blame you. Mel signed an 18-month contract with West Brom in January 2014 following a three-year stint at Real Betis. His first win in English football came after seven games in charge.
The Baggies finished 17th and the Spaniard left by mutual consent one day after the season ended with three wins in 17 matches. He then returned to Betis and was most recently with Malaga in the Spanish second division, where he was sacked last month with the club at risk of relegation.
Lawrie Sanchez – Fulham
(Image: Getty Images)
After Fulham sacked Chris Coleman back in 2007, Lawrie Sanchez was appointed caretaker manager and given a 32-day task of keeping the Cottagers in the Premier League. And he did just that.
His reward? The role on a full-time basis. Yet the Premier League fairytale wouldn’t last long as he was sacked after just eight months.
His last coaching role was with Super League Greece side Apollon Smyrni in 2014, where he parted ways after a year-and-a-half by saying: “In the Magic Kingdom that is Super League even a Magician can only have so many powers.”
Paul Hart – Portsmouth
(Image: Getty Images)
With Portsmouth in disarray and on the brink of administration back in 2009, desperate times called for desperate measures on the south coast as Paul Hart stepped up to the helm. Having been appointed in the summer, he would find himself sacked come November.
Pompey lost their first seven league games and mustered just two Premier League wins in 13 matches before Hart was axed. He unsurprisingly failed to prevent the club’s inevitable demise.
Hart has taken on various assistant coach and academy manager roles across English football in recent years at Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Stoke City among others. He is currently Luton Town’s academy manager, having been appointed in April 2022.
READ NEXT: