4. Alan Pardew
Wow, where to start with Pardew. In 2003, the BBC described him as being a "dangerous and distant animal" in the media, referring to his public relations abilities, which has led him to making several rash comments. Pardew got his first real break in Management at Reading in 1999. After a few great seasons in charge West Ham made an approach for Pardew's services. Royals Chairman John Madjeski refused him permission to hold talks with the East London outfit, which prompted Pardew to resign. A bitter legal dispute delayed Pardew's appointment at Upton Park, as he was placed on gardening leave. On 20th October 2003 he was finally free to join West Ham. The whole affair left a sour taste in the mouth of Reading fans who have never forgiven him for turning his back on the club. In the 06/07 season Pardew was gifted Corinthians pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano on 31st August 2006 in a controversial double transfer. He struggled to fit the Argentinians into the side however, and even bizarrely dropped Mascherano for the likes of Hayden Mullins. Results failed to improve and Pardew was starting to feel the heat from the supporters again. The final straw came on 9th December 2006. While in between jobs Pardew did some punditry work for the BBC. That was until he stated that Michael Essien had 'absolutely raped' Ched Evans (of all people). It wasn't the first time Pardew had upset someone with comments made to the media: he had previously criticised Arsenal for not fielding a single Englishman in a Champions League win over Real Madrid. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger responded by accusing Pardew of Xenophobia. On 9th December 2010 Alan Pardew made a surprising return to management with Premier League Newcastle. In 2011 ahead of the North-East derby against Sunderland, when a Ryan Taylor goal gifted Newcastle a 1-0 victory, Pardew made comments that are thought to have related to the referee, Howard Webb, who took charge of the clash. In response, the FA charged Pardew with improper conduct, a charge the manager denied and, after requesting a personal hearing, "the case was found proven" by an FA regulatory commision, leading to his warning.