DARREN DIDN’T GET FAIR CRACK AT LATICS

HOW many games should a manager have to get things right? In Darren Kelly’s case, not even ten.

The Oldham boss was sacked following a 5-1 defeat to Peterborough and has now been replaced – temporarily, at least – by David Dunn.

I feel sorry for Darren. One, because it’s invariably difficult when you replace a manager who hasn’t been sacked.

Nine times out of ten, you take over a struggling side and get a bit of leeway. But Lee Johnson had got the Latics in good shape before leaving for Barnsley. He’d basically maxed their potential.

Two, because he wasn’t doing that badly. Where are Oldham realistically going to finish? It won’t be top six. Top half would be an achievement.

And three, because Oldham are the ones who appointed a 36year-old manager with no previous experience.

They must have known it would take him time to learn the ropes.

Bad results don’t necessarily make sacking a manager the correct decision. Last season, I got slated for saying Darren Ferguson should have got longer at Posh, but now they’re struggling in League One and looking for yet another manager.

You might have to go five games without a win or ride out a bit of stick from the fans, but if you let a guy learn, he’ll come out the other side a better manager. Sadly, nobody gets time now. Anyone who loses six games in a row is a dead man, which is crazy.