Top 5 shortest reigns as manager in Premier League history

Patience is a rare virtue in top-level football, and some managers have barely lasted long enough to unpack their bags before being shown the door. 

In the Premier League — the most-watched league in the world, where huge sums of money are on the line — failure simply isn’t tolerated. Managers face relentless pressure to deliver results instantly. No matter your reputation or how fair it seems, you can be sacked before you even find your footing if you don’t meet expectations, fail to impress the board, or simply fall short of the often unrealistic standards set for you.

These Five Managers Hold the Record for the Shortest Reigns in Premier League History

5. Rene Meulensteen (Fulham, 75 days)

Although René Meulensteen has spent much of his career as a head coach, his greatest successes have come as an assistant.

Between 2007 and 2013, the Dutchman served as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted lieutenants at Manchester United, playing a key role during one of the club’s most successful periods. When Ferguson retired, Meulensteen also decided to move on.

He soon returned to the Premier League, joining Fulham as part of Martin Jol’s coaching staff. However, just three weeks after his arrival, Jol was dismissed, and Meulensteen was promoted to the manager’s position.

His time in charge was brief—lasting only 75 days—before Fulham replaced him with Felix Magath, a move that marked the start of a difficult period for both the club and Meulensteen.

4. Javi Gracia (Leeds United, 69 days)

Leeds United fought hard to avoid relegation during the 2022–23 Premier League season, but despite changing managers three times, they ultimately couldn’t escape the drop. 

Javi Gracia took over from Jesse Marsch in February, yet his spell lasted just 69 days and 11 league games. While six defeats made for a poor record, Leeds’ situation grew even worse toward the end of his tenure — they conceded at least four goals in four of their final seven matches, prompting another change in direction.

3. Les Reed (Charlton, 40 days)

Les Reed built a strong reputation during his time as Alan Curbishley’s assistant at Charlton Athletic and later at the Football Association (FA).

In 2006, after several years working as a consultant and director for various clubs, he returned to Charlton as Iain Dowie’s assistant. When Dowie was sacked in November, Reed was promoted to head coach.

However, his spell in charge was disastrous. In just seven Premier League games, Charlton lost five times before Alan Pardew was brought in to replace him.

2. Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest, 39 days)

In the 2024–25 season, Nottingham Forest enjoyed an impressive campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo, emerging as surprise contenders for a UEFA Champions League spot. However, their seventh-place finish ultimately felt like a disappointment — a reflection of how high their standards had risen over the years.

Soon after, Ange Postecoglou, fresh off winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur, took over with big expectations. But his tenure quickly unraveled. After failing to win any of his first eight matches in charge, Postecoglou was dismissed, bringing a swift and unhappy end to his brief spell at the club.

1. Sam Allardyce (Leeds United, 30 days)

In May 2023, Leeds United were battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League. In a desperate move, the club sacked Javi Gracia and appointed Sam Allardyce, hoping his reputation for rescuing struggling teams would turn things around.

However, Allardyce was only given four games to save Leeds. Despite his experience, the team managed just one draw and suffered three defeats, sealing their relegation. Allardyce’s brief stint — the shortest managerial tenure in Premier League history — ended shortly afterward, with the former England boss leaving the club and receiving a significant payout.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports