The Football League Job Centre
With pre-season in full swing, the majority of English clubs have settled managers, prepared to guide their club to glory in the season ahead. However, there are still 5 clubs looking for managers and here's a run-down guide to all the vacancies in the Football League.
League: npower Championship
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Previous Finish: 19th (relegated from Premier League)
Captain: Scott Parker
Key Player: Bryan Ruiz
Fulham were the anti-success story of 2013/14, as they went through multiple managers in their plummet from the Premier League. Felix Magath was the last, and now Fulham are looking for a new face to lead them back into the Premier League.
Fulham have a very strong squad for Championship level, spearheaded by Costa Rican attacking midfielder Bryan Ruiz. Captain Scott Parker is also a very prominent figure in midfield whilst Rodallega and Dembele will provide the firepower up front.
The Cottagers have a lot to play for this season after a horrid campaign in 2013/14, and there will be a lot of pressure on the new manager to get the club back to the Premier League. This job will not be one for the faint-hearted, and it will take a lot of nerve to reestablish Fulham as a footballing power.
Bolton Wanderers
League: npower Championship
Predicted Finish: 11th
Previous Finish: 14th
Captain: Jay Spearing
Key Player: Jay Spearing
After being relegated from the Premier League, Bolton have been constantly searching for that push for promotion but year after year they have lacked the consistency for a real challenge. Inconsistent results last year saw them finish 14th, firmly mid table, and Dougie Freedman was sacked as the club looks for it's messiah.
The Bolton squad is very rounded, with not too many standouts but not many spuds either. Captain and fan favourite Jay Spearing will be heavily relied upon for good form in midfield, and if Stuart Holden can remain uninjured they stand a good chance. Kevin McNaughton and Joe Mason, on loan from Cardiff, will also be big boosts for the season ahead.
Bolton are seemingly becoming the perennial underachievers, and it will take a major overhaul to give Bolton a fighting chance of promotion. Perhaps they lack the firepower, and the new manager will have to be very smart in the transfer market as mid table is no longer good enough.
Leyton Orient
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League: npower League 1
Predicted Finish: 1st
Previous Finish: 3rd
Captain: Nathan Clarke
Key Player: Jobi McAnuff
One of the most wanted jobs in the country, CVs are flooding from around Europe for the Leyton Orient job as they have one of the most potent League 1 squads in recent memory. A 3rd place finish wasn't quite enough, and with a new chairman comes a vacant managerial role.
The O's main strength is the wings, with 2 Championship level players patrolling either side. Dean Cox and new signing Jobi McAnuff will be lethal on the flanks, whilst Shane Lowry and Romain Vincelot will be crucial in defence. There is a lot of depth in the side, and can be expected to go far.
The pressure is on for any manager that takes the job, with promotion expected at the least and a league win on the cards. The lure of Championship football, after some silverware, is hard to resist for most mid-level English managers and this could be a bitterly contested job.
League: npower League 1
Predicted Finish: 14th
Previous Finish: 9th
Captain: Carl Dickinson
Key Player: Chris Lines
Port Vale have been a huge success story in the past few seasons, with an unexpected promotion followed by a positive 9th place finish in League 1 last year. But the question must be asked if Port Vale's squad can go again.
The standout at the club is Chris Lines, a centre mid who has good technical skills. Jordan Slew, on loan from Blackburn, is expected to provide the firepower along with club favourite Tom Pope.
Port Vale are a club with a lot of potential, and should the right man come along perhaps they can continue their great growth from administration to the League 1.
Hartlepool
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League: npower League 2
Predicted Finish: 11th
Previous Finish: 19th
Captain: Matthew Bates
Key Player: Adam Campbell
After a disappointing season in 2013/14, Hartlepool will be hoping to return to their mid table position expected of them. The relegation battle saw Colin Cooper removed from his role and a new manager is needed to stabilise the club.
The biggest deal in the transfer window without a doubt for Hartlepool is the loan signing of Newcastle starlet Adam Campbell. Campbell will provide much needed firepower whilst captain Matthew Bates is expected to play a major role in defence.
Hartlepool are a club on the rebound, and it's a good test for aspiring managers to make a mark and return the club to the mid table. Perhaps a talent manager could even challenge for promotion, but for now it's all about resurrection.