When the board support a manager, time is short…

Observe the following pattern:

Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson on November 21, 2006:

“I will also be continuing talks with Alan Pardew on how he sees the future on the playing side. This is very much his domain and he has my full confidence and support.”

December 11, 2006: Pardew is sacked

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan on May 14, 2007:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome [Chris Hutchings] as manager and give him my assurance that he will have my full and total backing as we seek to stay in the Premiership for a fourth season and keep establishing this club in the best league in the world.”

November 5, 2007: Hutchings is sacked

Newcastle chairman Chris Mort on November 26, 2007:

“Sam [Allardyce] is a very experienced manager, and I am sure he will work hard with his coaching team to turn the team around. He is working hard to get his best team, and how they can work together in the best way.”

January 9, 2008: Allardyce is sacked (technically by ‘mutual agreement’)

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon on March 14 2008:

“We’ve got a very strong squad and absolute confidence in the team and the coaching staff. I’m sure under Avram [Grant’s] management we’ll continue to progress.”

May 24th, 2008: Grant is sacked

Former Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli on October 7, 2008:

“As a club we are very united - the board and the coaching staff, the players and the coaching staff, and the players and the board. We are in this together so we don’t want to single out anyone. My relationship with Juande [Ramos] is excellent.

October 25th, 2008: Ramos is sacked

Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak on November 10, 2008:

“We are calm and under control and we on the board have the highest regard for Mark. I am personally committed to him as I am committed to the partnership between Cook, Mark [Hughes] and myself.”

Can you guess what comes next, Mr Hughes?