The Cutthroat World of Championship Football: Managerial Turmoil and New Beginnings
Explore the intense world of Championship football, where managerial changes are frequent and the pressure to perform is relentless. Discover the new faces and their challenges in the upcoming season.


The Championship is renowned for its fierce competition and the high stakes involved, not just for the players but also for the managers. Last season, only one out of the 18 teams retained their manager from August 2024, highlighting the volatile nature of the league.
The Only Survivor
Portsmouth's John Mousinho is the sole manager who remains from the previous season. Reflecting on the brutal nature of the league, Mousinho shared, "It's a really brutal league from every aspect. If you get something wrong, you get punished."
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other top leagues, the Championship stands out for its instability. In the Premier League, 11 out of 17 teams retained their managers, while in League One and League Two, the figures were seven and ten respectively.
New Faces in the Dugout
Since the end of last season, 11 teams have appointed new managers, with six of them being first-timers in the Championship. Notable appointments include:
- Hull City: Sergej Jakirovic replaces Ruben Selles.
- QPR: Julien Stephan takes over from Marti Cifuentes.
- Southampton: Will Still, a highly-rated 32-year-old, steps in.
Managerial Merry-Go-Round
Former Championship managers Ruben Selles and Marti Cifuentes quickly found new roles. Selles is now at Sheffield United, while Cifuentes has taken charge at Leicester City.
Insights from Experienced Managers
Paul Heckingbottom, Preston North End's manager, offers a candid view: "If you're worried about job security or the fact the buck stops with you, then you shouldn't do it."
Looking Ahead
As the new season kicks off, the focus will be on how these new managers adapt to the pressures of the Championship. With so many changes, the league promises to be as unpredictable and exciting as ever.
Mousinho's Gratitude
John Mousinho expressed his gratitude towards Portsmouth's board for their patience during a challenging season. "I feel very proud to be the head coach of this football club," he said, acknowledging the support that helped him navigate through tough times.
Conclusion
The Championship continues to be a proving ground for managers, where success and failure are often separated by the finest of margins. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on these new leaders to see who can rise to the challenge and who will fall by the wayside.