Today saw a double Championship sacking as Burnley and Preston North End both dispensed with their managers.
Burnley waved goodbye to ex Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws after just 12 months in charge, in which he won only 13 of his 44 games. Ironically his last victory was a 2-1 win at Barnsley on Boxing Day which gave the Clarets their first success on the road this season. But a poor 2-0 home defeat to struggling Scunthorpe two days later signalled the end for Laws, despite the club being just two points off the play-off places.
The departure of Darren Ferguson at Preston is probably more understandable considering the Lilywhites languish at the foot of the Championship table. The son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex was appointed Preston manager on the 6th January at which point the club were 16th. Fergie Jnr won just six of 23 games in charge last season however and that poor run continued into the new campaign and the 38 year old leaves Preston five points adrift in the relegation zone after a 3-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough.
The departure of Ferguson could also have some repercussions for Barnsley. Striker Iain Hume has just completed a successful loan deal at Deepdale which is set to become permanent in just four days time. That now could be in jeopardy until Preston appoint a new manager and find out if Hume fits in his plans.