Kenny Dalglish - Phenomenally successful at Liverpool for six years and won the championship with Blackburn in 1995 after guiding them to promotion from the first division three years earlier. Reputation dented by the dreary 18 months he presided over at Newcastle before arriving at Celtic as director of football.

Graeme Souness - Took over from Dalglish and his spell in charge at Anfield marked the beginning of Liverpool's decline. Angered fans by selling stories to the Sun. Had subsequent turbulent spells at Southampton, Galatasary and Benfica. Currently in search of gainful managerial employment.

Nigel Spackman - Made a promising start with Sheffield United after succeeding Howard Kendall in 1997. Resigned in March 1998, with the team fifth in the first division and in the FA Cup quarter-finals, after being forced to sell Jan-Aage Fjortoft, Brian Deane and Don Hutchison.

Jan Molby - Sacked by Swansea in October 1997 after six defeats in eight games, even though the previous season they missed out on promotion to the second division only because of a last-minute Northampton goal in the play-offs. Now in charge of Kidderminster Harriers, currently sixth in the Conference.

John Barnes - Already under pressure less than six months into his first managerial post, at Celtic. An early exit from the UEFA Cup and a 4-2 defeat in the first Old Firm game of the season have been compounded by stories of player unrest.

Steve McMahon - Almost four years in charge at Swindon Town ended when he quit after only two wins in the first nine games of last season. Brought the club straight back up to the first division in 1996 after two successive relegations but never finished higher than 18th in the first.

Ronnie Whelan - Resigned after two seasons in charge of Southend in 1997, when they finished bottom of the first division, winning three of their last 26 games. Subsequently had a spell with Panionios in Greece in which they narrowly escaped relegation.