Football is a results-driven business, and sometimes managers barely get a chance to settle in before they are shown the door.
From shocking resignations to instant dismissals, here are the Top 10 fastest managerial exits of all time, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Erik ten Hag – Bayer Leverkusen (62 days, 2025)
Ten Hag’s surprising move to Bayer Leverkusen in May 2025 was supposed to bring Champions League-level coaching to the Bundesliga champions. Instead, his reign ended abruptly after just 99 days on September 1, 2025. Poor results in pre-season, combined with early struggles in competitive fixtures, left the board with little patience.
9. Kevin Keegan – Newcastle United (19 days, 2008/09)
Keegan’s second spell at Newcastle was short and chaotic. Appointed with fanfare, he lasted only 19 days into the season before resigning over disputes with the board about transfers. His frustration over the signing of Xisco and a lack of control in recruitment pushed him out, leaving the Magpies in turmoil.
8. Alan Curbishley – West Ham United (18 days, 2008/09)
In 2008, Alan Curbishley quit West Ham just 18 days into the campaign. His anger stemmed from the club selling key players against his wishes, including Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney. The fallout ended in court, with Curbishley awarded compensation for breach of contract. He has not managed since.
7. Sir Bobby Robson – Newcastle United (16 days, 2004/05)
The legendary England manager was ruthlessly dismissed in August 2004 after Newcastle failed to win their first four league games. Chairman Freddy Shepherd admitted years later that sacking Robson was “like shooting Bambi.” Sadly, it marked the end of Robson’s top-flight managerial career.
6. Kenny Dalglish – Newcastle United (12 days, 1998/99)
Dalglish’s stint at Newcastle ended in just 12 days of the new campaign. After consecutive draws with Charlton and Chelsea, the club replaced him with Ruud Gullit. While Dalglish didn’t return to Premier League management until Liverpool in 2011, Newcastle’s managerial instability continued.
5. Peter Reid – Manchester City (12 days, 1993/94)
Reid’s time as player-manager ended swiftly. He lasted only 12 days of the 1993/94 season, managing four games with just one point earned. A shake-up in City’s hierarchy contributed to his departure, and though he played on elsewhere, City narrowly avoided relegation that season.
4. Paul Sturrock – Southampton (9 days, 2004/05)
Sturrock was dismissed just nine days into the 2004/05 season. After a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa followed by a 3-2 win against Blackburn, he left by “mutual consent.” The decision was baffling, especially so early in the campaign. His successor, Steve Wigley, didn’t fare much better and was gone by December.
3. Dave Bassett – Crystal Palace (4 days, 1984)
Before Rosenior’s infamous case, Dave Bassett’s brief 1984 spell at Crystal Palace was regarded as the shortest in English football. He accepted the job, only to resign four days later without taking charge of a single game after a change of heart. Palace were left scrambling, and Bassett soon returned to Wimbledon, where he enjoyed greater success.
2. Marcelo Bielsa – Lazio (2 days, 2016)
Bielsa’s explosive character ensured one of the shortest managerial stints in modern history. Appointed in July 2016, he quit after just two days, citing broken promises in the transfer market. Lazio, furious, threatened legal action. Bielsa promptly returned to South America, leaving the Italian side scrambling for a replacement.
1. Leroy Rosenior – Torquay United (10 minutes, 2007)
In one of the most bizarre episodes in football, Leroy Rosenior was sacked just 10 minutes after his appointment was announced at Torquay United. A takeover had been completed behind the scenes, and the new owners already had their preferred candidate. Rosenior never even made it to training.
