In the Premier League, managing a top-flight team can be a daunting challenge. While some managers thrive and make a lasting impact, others struggle to meet expectations, leading to disappointing results and ultimately, their downfall. Recent discussions have seen Steve Cooper, current Nottingham Forest manager, come close to being added to a list of the worst-performing managers in Premier League history, based on points per game (PPG). As Gary O’Neil also inches toward this infamous countdown, let’s take a look at the current list.

Steve Cooper’s Tumultuous Tenure – 0.94 PPG

Steve Cooper’s time at Nottingham Forest was a rollercoaster. Appointed in September 2021, Cooper managed to save Forest from relegation and guide them to a respectable 16th place finish in their first season back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence. His achievements were remarkable given the circumstances, as Forest underwent a massive squad overhaul with 23 new signings. Cooper left Forest for Leicester where despite showing initial signs of encouragement, the board opted to replace him with Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

John Deehan: A Manager on the Edge – 0.93 PPG

While Cooper may be in jeopardy, he is not alone in this bleak ranking. John Deehan, who managed Norwich City for a brief period in 1994, had a similarly difficult time. Inherited from Mike Walker, who had left for Everton, Deehan’s tenure was marked by a significant downturn in form, with Norwich losing 26 games and winning just 11 under his leadership. Deehan’s PPG of 0.93 is barely better than Cooper’s, and while he managed to guide Wigan to a Third Division title later in his career, his Premier League reputation remained tarnished by his poor run at Norwich.

Neil Warnock: A Resilient, Yet Unsuccessful, Figure – 0.93 PPG

Another name that sits just above Cooper on the list is Neil Warnock. Known for his fiery personality and ability to keep teams afloat in difficult circumstances, Warnock’s PPG of 0.93 speaks volumes about his lack of success at Premier League level. Across his stints with Sheffield United, QPR, Crystal Palace, and Cardiff, Warnock completed two full seasons, both of which ended in relegation. Yet, his time at those clubs also saw survival after being replaced mid-season. While Warnock is beloved for his efforts as a “firefighter,” his Premier League record leaves much to be desired.

Steve Kean and the Blackburn Disaster – 0.90 PPG

Steve Kean’s time at Blackburn Rovers provides a sobering reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the Premier League. Appointed after the controversial sacking of Sam Allardyce in 2010, Kean’s tenure was disastrous. Despite some unexpected results, including a memorable win over Manchester United, Blackburn’s form nosedived under Kean’s management, and the club was relegated in 2012. With a PPG of 0.90, Kean remains a fixture on the list of the worst managers in Premier League history.

Phil Brown: A Flicker of Hope, Then Disaster – 0.88 PPG

Phil Brown’s initial success with Hull City in the 2008-2009 season, where his team made an impressive start, was soon followed by a sharp decline in form. Hull was relegated in 2010 after spending much of the season fighting for survival. Brown’s PPG of 0.88 ranks him just above Kean, reflecting his struggles after Hull’s promising first few months. Though he started strong, his failure to maintain Hull’s top-flight status has defined his Premier League legacy.

Chris Wilder: The Fall From Grace – 0.88 PPG

Chris Wilder’s rise with Sheffield United in the 2019-2020 season, where he led the club to an eighth-place finish, was a remarkable achievement. However, his subsequent fall from grace was just as swift. After a disastrous 2020-2021 campaign, where Sheffield United collected just two points from 17 matches after the pandemic lockdown, Wilder was sacked. The club’s return to the Premier League in 2023 has seen them at the bottom of the table, reaffirming Wilder’s struggles. His PPG of 0.88 places him near the bottom of the rankings, and it will be difficult to erase the bitter taste of such a rapid decline.

Iain Dowie and the Curse of Relegation – 0.81 PPG

Iain Dowie’s tenure at Crystal Palace, Charlton, and Hull saw him relegated with all three clubs. His PPG of 0.81 is one of the worst in Premier League history, and it is a testament to his inability to turn around struggling teams. Dowie’s managerial reigns were filled with disappointing results, culminating in relegation with all three of his Premier League clubs. His legacy is one of failure, as he struggled to match his managerial potential with actual success in the Premier League.

David Wagner: Unable to Repeat a Miracle: 0.80 PPG

One remarkable survival season with Huddersfield was immediately followed by a dreadful season which culminated in Wagner leaving by mutual consent after winning three of his last 32 games. He could well be back soon with Norwich so we can do the whole German/American thing again.

Mick McCarthy and His Inherited Struggles – 0.79 PPG

Mick McCarthy’s time at Sunderland and Wolves was marred by poor results and limited success. Though he helped Wolves return to the Premier League and survive for a few seasons, McCarthy’s early years at Sunderland were disastrous. Inherited teams that were in disarray, McCarthy’s record of 0.79 PPG ranks him near the bottom of the list, with only a handful of successful moments. His inability to transform either Sunderland or Wolves into consistent top-flight contenders ultimately saw him sacked, leaving behind a legacy of mediocrity.

Scott Parker: Too Much, Too Soon – 0.77 PPG

At the bottom of this infamous list sits Scott Parker, who managed both Fulham and Bournemouth with little success. His PPG of 0.77 is the worst in Premier League history, and his managerial stints were characterized by failure. Despite his reputation as a well-regarded player, Parker’s managerial career has been far from impressive. His time at Fulham ended in relegation, and after a disastrous spell at Bournemouth, where he was sacked after just a few months, his future in top-flight management is uncertain. Parker’s tenure at both clubs is remembered for poor results and ultimately, for leading two teams to relegation.