While Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side are preparing for a trip to Wigan this evening, there have been goings on elsewhere in the Championship.
Just days after their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Toon Army, Birmingham City shockingly sacked manager Gary Rowett.
Despite their drubbing at St. James’ Park, the Blues have been in good form this season and the 42-year-old’s work in the Second City has largely been excellent.
It’s a strange decision at St. Andrew’s as they are linked with a quick-fire move for Gianfranco Zola as a replacement.
To sack an exciting young manager for little obvious reason has had users on social media shocked, with even the Magpies faithful chiming in.
They’ve compared Rowett’s situation to that of Chris Hughton’s at St. James’ Park over half a decade ago, when he was sacked and replaced with a certain Alan Pardew.
Now in charge of title challenging Brighton of course, he was axed with Newcastle in a good position and a rather bizarre replacement was drafted in.
So, with that in mind, here’s how Newcastle fans on Twitter saw Rowett’s sacking.
The dismissal of Rowett at #bcfc screams of the Hughton sacking at #nufc. Both unjustified. Hope Rowett moves onto greener pastures.
— Andrew McVittie (@Andrew_McVittie) December 14, 2016
Gary Rowett's sacking at #bcfc has echoes of Hughton leaving #NUFC Shortsighted decision made by clueless owner.
— Mark (@NUFCRafalution) December 14, 2016
#bcfc sacking rowett stinks of hughton at #nufc. I just don't get football sometimes. He's been one of their best managers in recent times.
— Andy Brennan (@absilver0505) December 14, 2016
This reminds me of when Hughton was sacked by #NUFC, nobody could understand why. Hope #BCFC don't end up with a Pardew-like replacement
Strange of #bcfc to sack Gary Rowett with the team just outside playoffs. Promising young manager, Rafa should take him under his wing #nufc
— James Michael (@J_Magpie93) December 14, 2016