Pulis highlights managerial instability and over-achievement ahead of LMA awards
In a column for BBC Sport, Tony Pulis commends Keith Andrews and Andoni Iraola for exceeding expectations, while warning of the increasing precariousness of the manager's role.
Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis has used a column in BBC Sport to highlight several coaches who have exceeded expectations this season, ahead of the League Managers Association (LMA) annual awards dinner. While acknowledging Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola as primary contenders for the top prize due to their teams' league positions, Pulis specifically highlighted the achievements of Keith Andrews at Brentford and Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.
Pulis noted that Brentford, previously favourites for relegation, came within a whisker of securing European qualification under Andrews in his first season. Iraola secured European football for Bournemouth for the first time in the club's history, despite consistently selling key players since joining in 2023. Pulis revealed that Iraola took 10 attempts to register his first league win, which occurred in late October, using this as an example of why managers need time to succeed.
The column also recognised Daniel Farke at Leeds United and Regis le Bris at Sunderland for securing Premier League survival. Pulis extended his recognition to lower-league managers, including Andy Woodman at Bromley, who led the club to the League Two title after a 21-game unbeaten run from early December to late March. He also praised Paul Warne at MK Dons, Neil Harris at Cambridge United, Michael Skubala at Lincoln City, and Frank Lampard at Coventry City.
Pulis reflected on the increasing instability of managerial roles, observing that sacking season has shifted from October to the period after the new year and the final stages of the campaign. He lamented the cessation of the traditional post-season coaching seminars at Lilleshall, which previously facilitated networking and education for coaches, noting that the job has become "ridiculously unstable" and hazardous.
Although Pulis stated he is not allowed to reveal his three official LMA award nominations, he confirmed that two are from the lower leagues. He drew on his own experience, having won the Premier League Manager of the Season award with Crystal Palace in 2014 and with Gillingham in 1996, to emphasise that success often requires patience and that no one truly understands the role until they are in the seat.
