Football clubs keep getting managerial appointments wrong. Would the players do a better job of it?

Premier League managerial turnover continues to rise, with 11 managers departing their roles during the 2025-26 season. While dismissals are often attributed to poor results or losing the dressing room, the analysis suggests players may possess better insight into managerial suitability than owners or sporting directors who traditionally make hiring decisions.

Club hierarchy dynamics vary across the league. A survey of reporters assessing the most important figures at all 20 Premier League sides identified owners at seven clubs, managers at five, players at four, chief executives at three, and a kit man at West Ham United.