Norwich and Swansea Should Stick with Young Managers

With both Norwich and Swansea hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, pressure is starting to grow on their young managers. However, it would be extremely harsh if either Alex Neil or Garry Monk were shown the door after both over-achieved spectacularly last season.

Monk is under the most pressure, with Swansea struggling after an impressive start to the season. However, with the Swans currently outside of the relegation zone it seems ridiculous that Monk’s position is being called in question. Last season he lead them to the double against Manchester United and Arsenal on their way to their highest ever points tally in the Premier League. Despite being linked with the West Ham job Monk remained loyal to Swansea and is seen by many as a future England manager.

Alex Neil only joined Norwich in January. Having never managed in England before he took them from outside of the places to the brink of automatic promotion. After just missing out on automatic promotion to Watford and Bournemouth, Neil lead Norwich to the Premier League through the play-offs. Like Swansea, although Norwich are going through a difficult patch they remain outside the relegation spots and a strong performance against Arsenal has given them renewed hope of securing safety comfortably this season.

The fact that as soon as a club endures a difficult period the manager becomes under pressure says a lot about the hire and fire culture of the Premier League. Young British managers will never be able to develop if they are replaced by an experienced foreign manager at the first sign of trouble. Sides like Swansea ad Norwich cannot realistically expect to challenge for European places and mid-table safety represents a good season.

If Norwich and Swansea stand by their managers it will allow them both to develop a culture and style of play at the club which will serve them for years to come. Chopping and changing rarely does clubs any favours, especially when they are not in any immediate danger of being relegated.