Pretty foolish to axe pair

WHAT on earth is happening to English football when half the Premier League clubs change their manager in a season?

When Everton were in the bottom three at the end of October, you would think the owners would have given anything to finish eighth.

Nope – Sam Allardyce steered them to a respectable top-half finish, but the football wasn’t pretty enough, so he’s on his bike.

And West Ham, below the dotted line in late November, should be grateful to David Moyes (right) for keeping them up in difficult circumstances amid the fans’ unrest with the board.

But that wasn’t enough for the Hammers, either – so they have gone for a “change of direction” and good luck to them in their search for the man to deliver it.

For what it’s worth, I thought Big Sam did exactly what it said on the tin. And Moyes salvaged his reputation despite horrendous injury problems and, at times, a toxic atmosphere at the London Stadium.

Both have gone up in my estimation. But clubs who sacrifice knowledgeable managers on the altar of pretty football need reminding: When you’re in trouble, results must come first.

HOW do you like your eggs in the morning? Let’s find out every morning during the World Cup, when I’ll be hosting a half-hour breakfast slot from 8.30-9am on Radio 5 Live with special guests to talk about the football.