The Trend of Reappointing Former Managers in English Football
Long throw-ins and direct goal kicks are not the only tactics regaining popularity in English football this season. A notable trend has emerged: the reappointment of former managers across the top four tiers of the game.
After a gap of 23 years, the practice is now back in vogue, with some clubs re-engaging managers within a mere 89 days. Among the seven clubs that have changed their head coach this season, three have opted to bring back someone who previously held the position.
As of October 15, 11 out of the 92 teams in the Premier League and Football League are being managed by coaches in their second or more terms at the club.
With Sheffield United and Watford set to face each other this weekend, BBC Sport examines the allure of former managers.
Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss
So, what drives clubs to return to past managers? For some, it’s a matter of emotion over logic. Steve Cotterill made his return to Cheltenham Town last month after a 23-year absence. The 61-year-old, who originally led the club into the Football League in 1999, expressed his deep connection to the team, stating, "Cheltenham will always be in my heart." He noted that even when not working, he kept track of the team's performance.
If Cotterill’s return feels like a fairytale, Chris Wilder’s third stint at Sheffield United appears to be a correction of a previous error. Wilder initially led his hometown club from League One to the Premier League between 2016 and 2021 and returned to guide them to a strong finish last season, only to be unexpectedly dismissed. After a brief tenure by Ruben Selles, who lost all six of his matches in charge, Wilder was reinstated in September. When asked if he would have accepted a role at another club, he replied, "Possibly yeah. This is a special and unique club for me."
On Saturday, the Blades will host Watford, who have also brought back Javi Gracia as manager after his previous tenure from January 2018 to September 2019.
Familiarity Breeds... Content?
Jobi McAnuff, a veteran of over 700 appearances, believes that many reappointments stem from the hope of rekindling past success. He commented, "When managers have done well and had success, there’s a fear of the unknown when considering a new appointment." He noted the positive sentiment surrounding Gracia and Wilder’s returns, attributing it to familiarity and the confidence that comes from previous achievements.
Tommy Smith, a former full-back for Huddersfield and Middlesbrough, highlighted the common scenario where clubs dismiss a manager, believing there might be a better option available. He remarked, "I think sometimes it’s a case of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone." In Sheffield United’s case, the attempt to pursue a different direction with Selles did not yield positive results.
The Gaffers Replaying the Hits
When a manager is invited back, it often indicates they made a significant impact during their initial tenure. Struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, Everton turned to David Moyes in January, nearly 12 years after his departure for Manchester United. Moyes had previously led Everton to the Champions League and has started off solidly this season.
Grant McCann returned to Doncaster Rovers in May 2023 after a successful first spell, leading them to the League Two title. Paul Cook also saw success upon returning to Chesterfield, guiding them to the National League title after a previous stint in the play-offs. Darrell Clarke similarly elevated Bristol Rovers during his first term, while Scott Lindsey made a quick return to Crawley after a brief stint away.
Neil Harris has had a tumultuous journey, leaving Cambridge after just 14 matches before taking the helm at Millwall and then returning to Cambridge only to face relegation challenges.
Revell’s Radical Return
Alex Revell’s return to Stevenage demonstrates that sometimes sequels can surpass the original. Initially appointed in February 2020, he was dismissed after a challenging spell but later returned to the coaching staff. When Steve Evans left, Revell was given another chance at the top job. After a respectable finish last season, he now leads Stevenage in League One, aiming for their first promotion to the second tier.
McAnuff noted, "Going back, you want to show people what you’ve got. Alex Revell had a tough time initially, but he returned in a different capacity and has learned the ropes, now thriving in his role."
Curtain Coming Down on Ferguson’s Fourth Act?
In stark contrast, Darren Ferguson finds himself at the bottom of League One in his fourth stint with Peterborough. Since his first appointment in 2007, he has achieved significant promotions but has struggled in his latest term. Following two playoff finishes and two EFL Trophy victories, Ferguson's recent performances have prompted calls for improvement, as the club sits at the bottom of the league.