Time up for Manning at Norwich
Despite the club publicly backing Liam Manning a few weeks earlier, his dismissal felt inevitable after a disastrous start. Norwich sit in the bottom three and have lost every home game this season across all competitions.
Curtis Davies on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
It felt inevitable. Only a couple of weeks ago they were saying he was their man, and then they reversed course. For a club like Norwich to lose every home game is ridiculous — it clearly wasn’t good enough. This isn’t the Norwich of old; they’ve become a yo-yo club. In a league as open as this, they still had a chance if they could put a run together.
I feel sorry for Manning because of the work he did at Bristol City. He took the job at his hometown club — the fairytale looked possible, but it hasn’t worked out. I hope his reputation isn’t too damaged; he’s a good manager who should get another chance. Norwich need to act quickly. I don’t think they’ll certainly go down, but you never know in this league.
What next for Middlesbrough after Edwards departure?
A season that began positively for Middlesbrough has been soured by Rob Edwards leaving. Still, optimism remains with the club second in the table; whoever takes charge at the Riverside has a big task.
Luke Chambers on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
It’s a big blow. Lots of names will be linked because it’s a brilliant job — you’re taking over a team that’s doing well. Whoever comes in must get the balance right. It might look easy, but it won’t be. If a new manager rips up the blueprint, momentum can be lost. The international break gives them time to think carefully. I’ve seen teams lose their way after a managerial change when the blueprint gets ripped up.
Should Still have been given more time?
Will Still lasted just 13 games at Southampton, with two wins before his sacking; interim boss Tonda Eckert then won the next two. Was Still owed more time?
Curtis Davies on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
Bringing in Will Still was always a project. It was a rebuild after relegation with player turnover and a few Championship-ready signings. You need time to implement a style and change a losing mentality. The timing of his sacking was telling — if they already had someone lined up, fair enough, but if they acted just to wait for availability, that’s surprising. They’ll want to move quickly over the international break to appoint a replacement.
Can anyone stop Coventry?
Coventry’s first loss came at Wrexham, but they responded with two wins. Can Frank Lampard’s side be stopped?
Luke Chambers on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
Frank’s learned a lot quickly. He warned the players a defeat would come eventually. When it did, they had to change three of their back four, disrupting consistency, but they didn’t panic and stuck to their principles. They have attacking depth — if you stop Thomas-Asante, there’s Haji Wright, Ephron Mason-Clark and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto. They’ve got many weapons across the pitch.
Sheehan sacked by Swansea
Swansea parted company with Alan Sheehan after one win in seven. It’s another managerial casualty in the Championship.
Curtis Davies on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
It’s been difficult. Alan and his staff did an excellent job previously, performing well as interim and then taking on the season. It hasn’t worked recently. I thought Swansea might give them more time given last season’s near-miss on the play-offs, so you wonder about expectations. With the Premier League riches looming for clubs, everyone wants immediate results. I think Swansea likely already have an idea of a replacement.
Is it finally coming together for Ipswich?
Ipswich began the season slowly but have won back-to-back away games, scoring four goals in each. Are the Tractor Boys clicking?
Luke Chambers on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
Consistency in team selection has made a massive difference. The Championship schedule makes that hard, but early in the season with breaks to recover, they’ve coped. Scoring four in consecutive away games after earlier struggles sends a message — they’re finding a rhythm. They’ve been around the play-off places and, with a game in hand, could easily be back in the top six. When Ipswich click, they dominate.
Morris inspiring Derby push
Derby have turned things around after a slow start: five wins on the bounce and 10 goals for Carlton Morris have them pushing for the play-offs.
Curtis Davies on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:
They were very good against Blackburn, who were in form, so that result was telling. Carlton Morris has been fantastic — his physicality and leadership are central to Derby. He’s a handful for defenders whether he scores or not, and his 10 goals have been crucial. The worry is over-reliance on him; Derby need others to contribute goals so the burden isn’t solely on Morris. If he hits 20 and Derby get promoted, everyone will be happy.