Brass to Bury ghost of Casper

Last updated : 18 January 2008 By Gary Moss
NCM predicted more managerial change in League Two before the end of the season and we were not left to wait too long.

One of England's youngest managers Chris Casper was made to pay for another string of poor results that sees the Shakers back in amongst a relegation battle for another season.
Casper...Sacked


With him goes experienced former Lincoln and Peterborough boss Keith Alexander losing his role as director of football at Gigg Lane.

It hasn't taken long for the rumours to brew once more on the messagebard with a possibility of 'Big Keith' stepping into the dug out at Meadow Lane the latest whisper amongst some fans.

But after talking with Notts boss Ian McParland earlier this week it could not seem further from the truth as the fans favourite plans for a long and successful future at Notts.

After another seemingly rash dismissal it begs the question, who will be next? And I am sure it will not be too far away.

But it is not only League Two that has trouble controlling the management merry go round.

Some of the country's finest are themselves under the knife.

Rafa Benitez, the boss of Liverpool and the man who brought the European Cup
Benitez...Even European glory may not be enough
back to Anfield is under increasing pressure according to the papers.

Jose Mourinho, the manager who delivered a domestic double to Stamford Bridge as well as back-to-back titles was made to pack his bag for not playing 'sexy' football.

Martin Jol, the boss who brought record back-to-back Premiership finishes to Tottenham Hotspurs paid the price for a poor start to the season.

And then there is Sam Allardyce arguably the best home grown manager, once at Notts.

He didn't perform miracles at St James' Park i but instead saw them two or three wins away from a UEFA Cup berth - but yet this was not enough for a club like Newcastle who can hardly boast the most bulging of silverware cabinets on the shores.

These prove no-one is un-sackable - Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger - I would not like to tempt fate!

When put in proportion, it is no surprise to see managers face the axe in League Two. They have achieved very little compared the kinds of big time managers who are sacked at the other end of the scale.

It is easy to see why England lack such a breadth of English managers at the top end of the game when you consider the rate at which they are being chopped and changed lower down the spectrum.

But you can hardly blame these smaller clubs for looking out for themselves in a day and age plagued by a lack of second chances and where doing what is best for your home country seems very low on the agenda.

Chis Casper is just another victim of the game we love.

He isnt the first and won't be the last but remember - it is a results business as we always hear - League Two clubs should owe no responsibility to anyone but themselves after all.

Game of the day: Bury v Stockport

Chris Brass comes into life at Gigg Lane with the job of turning around what has so far been a patched up season for the Shakers.

Retaining Football League status is the bread and butter for many of the
Elding...Main man in Hatters run
lower League Two sides and from here until May, it will be no different for Bury.

But Tuesday nights victory over Championship giants Norwich in the FA Cup will go a long way in repairing confidence in the dressing room.

The club have said they are in no rush to install a full-time boss with Brass holding the reins on a caretaker basis. He goes into his first league game at home to local rivals Stockport with spirits bound to be sky high in the dressing room.

And they will have to be to take on the flying Hatters who have enjoyed a fruitful run of late.

Jim Gannon has seen his County side win four on the bounce and move into ninth spot just four points shy of the play-offs.

Anthony Elding has scored in each of the last four outings for the Hatters in a run that has seen a massive turn in fortune for last years final
Bishop...Plugging away in Shakers csoring slump
day of the season play-off casualties.

Bury have been on a massive slump scoring only two goals in thier last eight legaue ties, both of which coming from Andy Bishop.

The Shakers are on the slide but with a new boss instilled the fans will be hoping a brief honeymoon period lifts them back into midtable.

NCM Prediction: Stockport are very good in attack 0-2.

Elsewhere...

Barnet will be hopeful of a second league shock in a week as they host dazzling Peterborough.

Posh hit Accrington for eight on Tuesday but face a Bees outfit confident on the back of an away scalp at league leaders MK Dons.

Keith Hill's Rochdale beat off Chesterfield by the odd goal in seven against on Wednesday.

They will be looking to continue thier play-off bid at home to Bradford.
Little...Up against it


Peter Thorne, who netted a hat-trick against Notts last week will be eyeing more goals.

And, Wrexham are desperate for a win under Brian Little.

After eight straight losses it's Paul Ince's table toppers next and even a win here will see them still bottom.

The Dragons are really up against it to beat the drop.

Full fixture list:

Accrington Stanley v Brentford

Barnet v Peterborough

Bury v Stockport

Dagenham& Redbridge v Grimsby

Macclesfield v Lincoln

Mansfield v Darlington

Notts County v Chester

Rochdale v Bradford

Rotherham v Wycombe

Shrewsbury v Morecambe

Wrexham v MK Dons

Chesterfield v Hereford (Monday, 19.45)