Fans were shocked because Des Buckingham had just led the team to promotion and had a strong connection with the club. They felt he deserved more time despite the recent poor form. Many fans even expressed they would be okay with relegation under his leadership.
The board likely panicked due to a poor run of results, including six defeats in seven games and a recent 1-5 loss to Sheffield Wednesday. They may also have been influenced by the team's underperformance compared to their squad quality and the need to be proactive ahead of January recruitment.
Bristol Rovers sacked Matt Taylor due to a poor run of results, including three matches without a win or a goal, and a goal difference of minus 11. The club is underperforming given its size and investment, and the new ownership group decided to make a change.
Walsall's success is attributed to a well-organized team, strong defensive performance, and a balanced squad with experienced players like Albert Adoma and young talents like Nathan Lowe. Manager Matt Sadler's calm and meticulous approach, combined with a flexible playing style, has been key to their performance.
Phil Brown believes that Matt Sadler should focus on serving his team, getting a promotion from League 2 to League 1, and establishing a strong identity. He suggests staying with Walsall for another year to build on this success and solidify his reputation as a manager.
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Kidderminster Harriers manager Phil Brown to look at the week’s biggest stories in the EFL. They talk to Oxford United podcaster Connor Penfold from The Manor Podcast about the reaction from the fans to the sacking of manager Des Buckingham, and how the club will respond in their bid to avoid relegation. Plus, after Matt Taylor’s sacking at Bristol Rovers, will new set piece coach and interim manager Lee Cattermole get the job full time? And with Walsall flying high in League 2, they look at what has been behind their success so far this season.