We continue our look at unemployed managers to be putting pressure or links with Championship jobs…
HANNES WOLF
Last in charge of: HAMBURG
Hannes Wolf has managed Borussia Dortmund II, Stuttgart and Hamburg, and across the 94 games he’s been in charge, Wolf has won 43, drew 19 and lost 32, with a 45.74 win %.
He’s record has potentially been noted with some EFL club with his name appearing on the list of favourites for the Barnsley and Bradford City jobs over a year ago.
The former forward is currently 16/1 favourites to become the new Huddersfield boss.
GARRY MONK
Last in charge of: BIRMINGHAM CITY
Monk did a cracking job at Birmingham, steering them away from relegation candidates only for the club to them be hit with a 9 point deduction for failure to comply with the EFL profitability and sustainability rules.
He said in a statement after leaving the club: “First and foremost, I want to say that the opportunity to manage your club was an absolute honour.
“Right from the moment I walked through the door, I felt such a strong connection and understanding with the players, first-team staff and our exceptional fan base.
“Fighting off what many thought was a certain relegation at the end of the 2017/18 campaign planted the seed in all of us to try and turn the club’s fortunes around and ensure that we strived for better and, most importantly, all worked together towards that aim.
“Last season, our well-documented club issues brought massive difficulties before we had even got started and, although the challenges continued throughout, my staff, players and myself as the manager were all determined to remain focused on delivering an improved and competitive team with a clear identity, both for ourselves and the supporters, and a side that represented the values that are so dear to our fans.
“I believe that the sheer number of supporters that came to St. Andrew’s and travelled the length and breadth of the country to back the team last term is a testament to the improvements that had been made and the belief and unity we had all created together.
“In view of this, the fact that I am not being given the opportunity to build on those solid foundations is a huge disappointment. However, I come away with a great sense of satisfaction and pride at the work we have all done up until this point.
“I am aware of certain disappointing comments the Club has made in the wake of my dismissal. Mindful of my contractual obligations, it is not my intention, certainly not at this stage, to engage with those comments. I would rather focus on the many positives I have experienced in my time with Birmingham City FC.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the players, who gave me everything and displayed a firm commitment to the work I asked them to do day in, day out.
“Every member of the squad was a real privilege to work with. I also want to thank the first-team staff for all of their hard work, support and friendship.
“I am also very grateful to U23 coach Richard Beale, the staff from the media department, the foundation, the ground staff and the Blues community as a whole, as well as all of the club employees for your excellent work.
“Last but most definitely not least, I would like to express all of my appreciation and send my very best wishes to every single one of you Bluenoses.
“You have offered me fantastic support and a true sense of belonging throughout my time at the club, for which I will forever be immensely grateful.
He has since been linked with jobs at Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.
TONY PULIS
Last in charge of: MIDDLESBROUGH
Tony Pulis parted company with Boro over the summer after they failed to win promotion back to the Premier League.
The club announced that the 61-year-old’s contract would not be extended following a meeting with chairman Steve Gibson in the aftermath of the campaign which saw them finish a point outside the playoff places.
Pulis, who took over in December 2017, led Boro to the play-off semi-finals in the 2017/18 season but lost to Aston Villa.
Since then, he said: “I have enjoyed the break.
“A few months off reinvigorates you, but I will still go to football every Saturday. I will keep my toe lightly dipped in the water and we will see what happens.”
He turned down an offer from abroad in the last few months as he wanted extra holiday, but has been in contact with “one or two people” about opportunities.
“The question will be, is it a challenge worth taking?” Pulis says. “Is it a challenge that tickles me in terms of getting out there and getting my hands dirty again?
“I am quite happy to wait and see what comes up. I will play it by ear.”
“You have to accept it is going to be short term unless you are very, very fortunate,” he says.
“Years ago you could go to a club, spend some time there and build it up.
“But it’s very difficult now to get any longevity because, irrespective of how well you have done, there will always be people, especially with the internet, who can do better than you.
“They expect more, expect more and expect more.”
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