Have Boro left it too late to make a managerial change?

Aitor Karanka’s departure at Middlesbrough may come as a surprise to some, but with no Premier League wins in 2017 and only 19 goals all season, it’s hard to see how Karanka was going to pull the Teessiders out of the relegation zone.

Having a managerial change in March is not a rare thing and it can come with mixed results. How have other Premier League clubs fared when they have sacked their boss from March onwards?

2015-16

Newcastle United – Steve McClaren replaced by Rafael Benitez RELEGATED

Newcastle were struggling in 19th position at the time of Steve McClaren’s dismissal but landing Champions League winner Rafael Benitez as his replacement was a massive boost. It was too late however, as the Magpies couldn’t avoid the drop. Despite his grand reputation, Benitez lost his first game in charge at Leicester and was unable to guide Newcastle to safety despite wins over Swansea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Aston Villa – Remi Garde replaced by Eric Black (caretaker) RELEGATED

Aston Villa had already accepted their fate when they chose to dismiss Remi Garde. Villa showed no signs of surviving and Eric Black was brought in as caretaker manager until the end of the season to ease them through the pain of relegation.

2014-15

Sunderland – Gus Poyet replaced by Dick Advocaat SURVIVED

Sitting one point above the relegation zone, Sunderland decided to replace Gus Poyet following a 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa and one win in 12 games. Dutchman Dick Advocaat stepped in to pick up 12 vital points that saw Sunderland narrowly avoid the drop.

2013-14

Norwich City – Chris Hughton replaced by Neil Adams (caretaker) RELEGATED

Being five points clear from the drop with five games remaining was not enough for Chris Hughton to continue at Carrow Road. Neil Adams, Norwich’s Under-18s coach, was appointed caretaker boss, but the Canaries could not believe their luck when Sunderland’s remarkable finishing run changed the picture at the foot of the table.

2012-13

Reading – Brian McDermott replaced by Nigel Adkins RELEGATED

Brian McDermott was sacked with nine games to go with the Royals languishing in 19th. Nigel Adkins, who many thought was wrongfully sacked at Southampton earlier in the season, was given the tough task of keeping Reading in the Premier League but could only muster five points in eight remaining games.

Sunderland – Martin O’Neill replaced by Paolo di Canio SURVIVED

Martin O’Neill was sacked by Sunderland with seven games left with the club above the relegation zone by a point. Paolo di Canio’s appointment caused much controversy due to his political views but he soon won over the fans with a 3-0 win over fierce rivals Newcastle. Sunderland survived the drop with one game to go.

2009-10

Hull City – Phil Brown replaced by Iain Dowie RELEGATED

Phil Brown was placed on ‘gardening leave’ with Hull in 19th with 11 games to go. To the disappointment of the fans, who expected a big name replacement, Iain Dowie was given the bizarre role of ‘football management consultant’.

2006-07

Fulham – Chris Coleman replaced by Lawrie Sanchez SURVIVED

Before his success with Wales, Chris Coleman had a four-year spell with Fulham. He was sacked towards the end of the 2006-07 season and replaced by Lawrie Sanchez who managed only four points in five games but the Cottagers survived by a point.

2005-06

Sunderland – Mick McCarthy replaced by Kevin Ball (caretaker) RELEGATED

There was no doubt that following Mick McCarthy’s sacking, Sunderland were going down. The board decided to take their time in appointing his replacement and handed caretaker duties to Kevin Ball. Sunderland were relegated with 15 points, a new record low.

2004-05

Portsmouth – Velimir Zajec replaced by Alain Perrin SURVIVED

Portsmouth replaced Harry Redknapp in November 2004 with executive director Velimir Zajec. The Croatian decided to revert to his boardroom role with Pompey four points from safety and seven games remaining. Frenchman Alain Perrin took control and survived the drop.

2002-03

Sunderland – Howard Wilkinson replaced by Mick McCarthy RELEGATED

In 2003, a number of managerial changes were made in the relegation battle. First to go was Howard Wilkinson at Sunderland. The Black Cats were 13 points away from safety and decided to bring in Mick McCarthy, who lost all his nine games in charge.

Leeds United – Terry Venables replaced by Peter Reid SURVIVED

Terry Venables was given the chop at Elland Road 11 days after Wilkinson’s departure at Sunderland. Wilkinson’s predecessor at the Stadium of Light, Peter Reid, would take over at Leeds to keep relegation at arm’s length. Reid won four of his eight games in charge to survive the drop.

Fulham – Jean Tigana replaced by Chris Coleman SURVIVED

A month later, Jean Tigana was sacked at Craven Cottage with Fulham three points above the relegation zone. Coleman was placed in temporary charge but was given the role on a permanent basis after picking up 10 points from the five remaining matches.

2001-02

Everton – Walter Smith replaced by David Moyes SURVIVED

Walter Smith was sacked by Everton in March 2002 with 11 games to go and Preston’s David Moyes came to the rescue. Moyes won four of the remaining matches, securing a 15th placed finish. He stayed with the club for 11 years.

1999-00

Sheffield Wednesday – Danny Wilson replaced by Peter Shreeves (caretaker) RELEGATED

Four Sheffield based MPs, including former Home Secretary David Blunkett, called for the sacking of Danny Wilson, with the Owls in 19th place. Peter Shreeves took caretaker charge but the club was relegated on the final day.

1994-95

Norwich City – John Deehan replaced by Gary Megson RELEGATED

John Deehan miraculously guided Norwich to a third place finish in the Premier League’s inaugural season, but two years later they went into a drastic downward spiral. Deehan resigned with five games remaining in April and was replaced by Gary Megson.

Total Sackings 16

Survived 7

Relegated 9