Ignore myth new manager wins first game

Last updated : 09 December 2005 By Editor

It is widely believed in football that changing the manager can bring about a positive change in results. This is not true, writes Racing Post tipster Kevin Pullein in The Guardian.

Porstmouth may have striker Vincent Pericard in Redknapp’s first team squad in his return against Spurs after Sheffield United agreed to send the player back subject to consent by the Premier League, but they are probably no more likely to beat Tottenham with Redknapp in the home dug-out than they would have been if the seat was still occupied by the caretaker Joe Jordan or the club's previous manager, Alain Perrin.

The belief that changing managers changes results has probably grown up for a very simple and familiar reason: we remember the times when it happens and forget the far greater number of times when it does not. It is simply human nature. Here’s hoping Perricard, who has scored two goals in three starts for Sheffield United while on loan makes a forgettable instant return to the south coast with his new manager.