After Englishman Terry Butcher resigned before his first game in charge of the Philippines, less than 50 days after taking the job, here are five other members of football’s Zero Games Club:
Leroy Rosenior – 10 minutes –
One of England’s few black football coaches, Leroy Rosenior signed on as head coach for Torquay United on May 17, 2007.
But after the signing, it was revealed that Torquay had been bought by a consortium which had its own man waiting for the job. Rosenior had lost his job in just 10 minutes.
He told a British tabloid that he had a good laugh about his short tenure and that he would get “a little bit of a compensation” for it.
Dave Bassett – Four days –
In June 1984 he agreed to become manager of Crystal Palace — but less than four days later he changed his mind, saying that he preferred to stay with his old club.
Bassett is credited with playing a crucial role in bringing Wimbledon from the fourth to the first division before resigning in 1987.
Martin Ling – Nine days –
After a successful career with Leyton Orient, Martin Ling was hired as manager of Cambridge United in July, 2009.
However, after barely nine days on the job, it was announced that he had resigned on August 4 due to “irreconcilable differences” with club chairman George Rolls.
But after Rolls left the club, Ling rejoined Cambridge on August 12 and served until 2011.
Steve Claridge – 36 days –
Steve Claridge, the Portsmouth-born former striker, was appointed the manager of Millwall in 2005 but following changes in the club’s board room, he was relieved of his duties just 36 days later, before his first game in charge.
Luigi Delneri – 36 days –
A veteran of numerous football clubs, the Italian Luigi Delneri signed with the Portuguese club FC Porto in July 2004, but he was sacked 36 days later, before the start of the season.
Porto officials were reportedly angered by Delneri missing a crucial training session. A club statement said he left for “personal reasons.”
