Dowie's Hat-Trick

Iain Dowie's sacking today looks like a case of deja-vu. There were several fans in succession on Sky this evening saying he hadn't been given a chance and that their were still vital signs as their F A Cup is still alive etc. However, their dipping league form was obviously too much for the new Ray Ransome backers and he's been paid off again.

Presumably Dowie could do with the cash as I believe Simon Jordan is still waiting for some compensation (revenge) from the Judge after getting the verdict in their last court appearance. It looked to me like the £1m fee that Jordan waived to let him travel 12 miles north to the Valley might be sum at stake (ouch) if Dowie loses his current appeal.

Dowie's CV is beginning to look rather messy. If Coventry were to go down it would be three of his clubs in successive seasons. Whilst he can argue limited funds at Coventry, the Orange one wasn't quite so mean and he well and truly blew the kitty at the Valley.

Meanwhile, all is not well at fellow under-achievers Sheffield United. There has been growing resentment over United's poor performances in a season they can arguably have expected to occupy a top three spot for most of the year. Bryan Robson is again feeling the heat and a demonstration outside the stadium after the game has prompted a meeting with his Chairman on Wednesday. It doesn't look promising for Robson and if he survives this battle he looks like losing the war.

The prospects for Dowie and Robson don't look great. After early career promise, both have poor track records during the last five seasons and they might have a long wait for similar positions. Dowie could go down the leagues but I'm not sure Robson would be able to face it.

Sometimes you have to be grateful for what you've got.