With 1st April marking the day Alan Shearer was handed the poisoned chalice of managing Newcastle United, it has prompted us to revisit the shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history.

The legendary Toon striker was given just eight matches to rescue his beloved club, but under his leadership, Newcastle secured only one victory and were ultimately relegated in 2009.

Following that disappointing spell, Shearer swapped the dugout for the BBC studio, but his brief managerial tenure does not make this list. To keep things fair, we have excluded interim managers, focusing solely on the Premier League era—even if Brian Clough’s infamous 44-day stint at Leeds United remains a story worth remembering.

With that in mind, here are the 10 managers who found the hot seat a little too hot to handle.

10. Tony Adams – 106 days

Before becoming an internet sensation with his dancing training sessions at Granada, Tony Adams started his managerial career at Fratton Park, working alongside Harry Redknapp.

Following spells at Wycombe and a coaching stint at Feyenoord, Adams arrived at Portsmouth in June 2006. Initially serving as assistant manager, the former Arsenal captain was given the top job in October 2008, following Redknapp’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, after overseeing just 16 matches, during which Portsmouth collected a mere 10 points, Adams was dismissed in February 2009, with the club sitting just seven points above relegation.

9. Colin Todd – 98 days

A key figure in Brian Clough’s successful Derby County side, Colin Todd is fondly remembered by Rams supporters—though more for his playing career than his managerial tenure.

Taking charge of Derby in October 2001, Todd was tasked with arresting their poor start to the season. However, he was unable to turn things around, with his side losing 11 of 17 matches under his leadership.

By the end of the campaign, Derby finished second-bottom, ahead of only Leicester City, but Todd did not make it that far—he was dismissed three months into the job.

8. Nathan Jones – 95 days

“There weren’t many better than me in Europe.”

These were the bold words of Nathan Jones—whose self-belief could never be questioned.

After making a name for himself at Luton Town, Jones was appointed Southampton manager in November 2022. However, his reign quickly unravelled, and he was dismissed by mid-February.

Jones alienated both the dressing room and the supporters, particularly after bizarrely referencing xG statistics in a post-match interview. His brief tenure saw just one highlight—a shock victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

7. Terry Connor – 91 days

Stepping into Mick McCarthy’s shoes proved too big a task for Terry Connor.

After McCarthy was sacked in February 2012, Connor was promoted to head coach, inheriting a Wolverhampton Wanderers side languishing in 18th place.

An opening-match draw against Newcastle United offered promise, but Wolves subsequently endured seven consecutive defeats, eventually finishing bottom of the table.

Connor soon reunited with McCarthy at Ipswich Town, returning to an assistant role.

6. Quique Sánchez Flores – 85 days

Being dismissed by Watford is hardly surprising, given the club’s turbulent managerial history, but Quique Sánchez Flores’ second stint at Vicarage Road in 2019 was particularly disastrous.

Having previously guided the Hornets to an FA Cup semi-final and a mid-table finish in 2015/16, Flores returned to Vicarage Road in September 2019.

However, things quickly unravelled. After an encouraging 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Watford suffered an 8-0 humiliation at Manchester City, and a 2-1 defeat to Southampton sealed his fate.

He was sacked in December after managing just one win.

5. Bob Bradley – 84 days

An American revolution arrived in the Premier League in 2016 when Bob Bradley became the first-ever American manager in the competition’s history.

Unfortunately, his tenure at Swansea City was a disaster.

Hired by Swansea’s American owners, Bradley’s CV—featuring MLS experience and a stint managing Egypt—did not suggest he would be a natural fit for the Premier League.

The Swans won just eight points in 11 matches, conceding goals at an alarming rate. His most enduring legacy? Being the subject of a Soccer AM skit.

4. Frank de Boer – 77 days

In the summer of 2017, Crystal Palace had a choice between Roy Hodgson and Frank de Boer. They opted for the latter, hoping he could bring attractive, attacking football to Selhurst Park.

However, a brief, disastrous spell at Inter Milan should have been a warning sign.

Palace failed to score in their first four league matches, suffering four consecutive defeats, and De Boer was sacked after just 77 days in charge.

Jose Mourinho later summed it up best, describing him as "the worst manager in Premier League history."

3. René Meulensteen – 75 days

Another Sir Alex Ferguson disciple who struggled away from Old Trafford, René Meulensteen lasted just 75 days in charge of Fulham in 2013.

Despite a 16-day stint at Anzhi Makhachkala, Fulham took a gamble on him in November 2013.

His philosophy included asking players to find their "spirit animal", but results were poor.

Winning just three of his 13 league matches, Meulensteen was swiftly replaced by the infamously strict Felix Magath.

2. Les Reed – 41 days

Les Reed’s 44-day tenure at Charlton Athletic in 2006 is often cited as one of the worst in Premier League history.

Having authored The Official FA Guide to Basic Team Coaching, one might have expected competency. However, Reed’s reign saw just one win, and his side was dumped out of the League Cup by League Two Wycombe Wanderers.

He was relentlessly mocked by the press, and his tenure ended on Christmas Eve.

Now 72, he is currently an advisor to Wrexham.

1. Sam Allardyce – 30 days

In May 2023, Leeds United pressed the Big Sam emergency button in a desperate bid to avoid relegation.

Javi Gracia had lasted just two-and-a-half months, leaving Leeds in a precarious position, and Allardyce was given four matches to save them.

Unfortunately, he oversaw three defeats and one draw, sealing Leeds’ fate.

After relegation was confirmed, Allardyce swiftly departed, stating he was "not ready for a long-term project."

This definitive list proves that even big names and bold personalities can struggle in the unforgiving world of the Premier League.