The Shortest Managerial Reigns in Premier League History

Managing in the Premier League is a brutal job. The pressure is immediate, the expectations sky-high, and patience almost nonexistent. Some managers barely have time to unpack before they’re shown the door.

After just 39 days at Nottingham Forest, Ange Postecoglou has joined the unfortunate list of the shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history and his case might be the most shocking yet.

The Australian, appointed on 9 September 2025 to replace Nuno Espírito Santo, was dismissed on 18 October after an eight-game winless run and a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea. His reign lasted just over a month, making it the briefest permanent managerial stint since the Premier League began in 1992.

So where does Postecoglou rank among the shortest-serving managers in top-flight history? Here’s the top ten.

1. Sam Allardyce at Leeds United – 30 Days

Sam Allardyce set an unwanted record in 2023, becoming the Premier League’s shortest-serving permanent manager. He was hired with just four matches left in the 2022–23 season, tasked with rescuing a collapsing Leeds United side. The club was 17th and only above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Big Sam managed a draw and three defeats — including losses to Manchester City, West Ham, and Tottenham — as Leeds were relegated. His contract expired on 2 June 2023, marking just 30 days in charge. Technically, he wasn’t sacked, but his stay remains the shortest of any non-interim manager in Premier League history.

2. Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest – 39 Days

Ange Postecoglou’s time at Nottingham Forest was as brief as it was chaotic. Appointed on 9 September 2025 after Nuno Espírito Santo’s exit, he was expected to transform Forest’s reactive counterattacking style into a high-pressing, possession-based system.

Related News: Ange Postecoglou sacked after 39 days as Nottingham Forest Coach

But Postecoglou’s tactics never clicked. Forest drew two and lost six across eight games, including Europa League defeats to Midtjylland and Real Betis, and a humbling 3-0 loss to Chelsea that sealed his fate. He was dismissed less than 20 minutes after the final whistle, making his 39-day reign the shortest ever by a Premier League manager dismissed mid-season.

3. Les Reed at Charlton Athletic – 40 Days

Les Reed’s spell at Charlton Athletic in 2006 was short-lived and unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. A former assistant turned manager, Reed took over after Iain Dowie’s dismissal but struggled to steady the ship. Charlton picked up only four points from seven games and suffered an embarrassing League Cup exit to Wycombe Wanderers, a fourth-tier side at the time.

After just 40 days, Reed was sacked on Christmas Eve, ending one of the briefest and bleakest reigns in Premier League history.

4. Javi Gracia at Leeds United – 69 Days

Leeds United’s revolving door continued in 2023 when Javi Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch in February. Despite earning 11 Premier League points — more than six other teams during his spell, Leeds still panicked and replaced him with Sam Allardyce after just 69 days.

Ironically, Gracia’s replacement went on to break his record for the shortest reign just weeks later.

5. Rene Meulensteen at Fulham – 75 Days

Rene Meulensteen’s rise and fall at Fulham was remarkably quick. Initially hired as an assistant to Martin Jol, he took over as manager in December 2013. But just 75 days later, Felix Magath was brought in, with Meulensteen reassigned to a coaching role before leaving the club completely.

During his brief time in charge, Fulham collected just 10 points from 13 games and slipped toward relegation.

6. Frank de Boer at Crystal Palace – 77 Days

Frank de Boer’s Crystal Palace stint is often used as the textbook example of a managerial misfit. The Dutchman was brought in to modernise Palace’s style but lost his first four league games without scoring, the first club in 93 years to start a top-flight campaign that way.

He was fired after just 77 days and four Premier League matches, the fewest games ever managed by a permanent boss before being sacked.

7. Quique Sánchez Flores at Watford – 85 Days

Watford’s trigger-happy owners rehired Quique Sánchez Flores in September 2019, hoping nostalgia would save them.

But the magic was gone. Flores won only one game and was dismissed after 85 days, with Watford eventually relegated that same season.

8. Bob Bradley at Swansea City – 85 Days

American coach Bob Bradley was appointed in October 2016 amid heavy skepticism and fan backlash.

Swansea conceded 29 goals in 11 matches, the worst defensive record of any manager during that period, and Bradley was sacked just after Christmas — also lasting 85 days.

9. Nathan Jones at Southampton – 94 Days

Nathan Jones took over from Ralph Hasenhüttl in late 2022, promising to turn Southampton’s season around.

Instead, his confrontational press conferences and confusing tactics alienated players and fans alike. He was sacked after just 94 days with Saints deep in relegation trouble.

10. Colin Todd at Derby County – 98 Days

Back in 2001, Colin Todd’s brief reign at Derby County lasted a little over three months. He managed 13 games, winning just one, before being dismissed in January 2002. Derby were relegated at the end of that season.

Top 10 Shortest Managerial Reigns in Premier League History

The Price of Premier League Pressure

Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day stint is the latest reminder that time is a luxury few Premier League managers enjoy. The margin between success and dismissal is often just a handful of matches — and sometimes, like Postecoglou, not even two months. The Premier League has always been ruthless, but with modern expectations higher than ever, even the most respected names aren’t immune from the axe.

SportsLigue