Premier League: 10 Managers Likely To Win The Sack Race

10. Mark Hughes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbNsf0Rl0iU Led by bespectacled and be-capped Welshman Tony Pulis, Stoke City almost revelled in their status as the ogres of the Premier League, ironically serenading the Britannia with chants of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. As long as they remained in the top flight, all was well. But if you sit in first class long enough, you get accustomed to the service. The first half of Stoke€™s campaign saw them crowned the third-best defence in Europe, but when their mid-season collapse left them eyeing the relegation trap door, a change in personnel was called for. Enter Mark Hughes. Tainted by his recent disastrous stint at QPR, the Welshman is hardly a popular appointment in Staffordshire. But on the face of it, Hughes€™ appointment might be good for Stoke €“ the ex-Blackburn boss comes with a reputation of building an attacking team off a tight defence, something the Potters may need if they wish to evolve. However, if the results don€™t come quickly for Hughes, he€™ll struggle to shake the view that he is damaged goods. If Stoke begin to languish around the relegation places, expect the Britannia to turn their knives on their new boss, and chairman Peter Coates might press the panic button.
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Contributor

Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.