Eddie Newton sacked by Trabzonspor after just seven games

We were intrigued when Eddie Newton left his Chelsea coaching role in January to take the assistant coaching job at Trabzonspor, and that intrigue turned to excitement after he became their head coach, first on an interim basis in July, then in a more permanent appointment in early August after he won the Turkish Cup, their first trophy in a decade.

Unfortunately, in the world of football, permanent can be a pretty short period of time. Eddie Newton was sacked this weekend, just two months and seven league games into his tenure.

Certainly, there are some sporting reasons for the move. Trabzonspor, last season’s runners-up, have just 1 win and have lost three in a row (and four in all competitions). On Saturday, they gave up a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 to Kasimpasa, which proved the final straw.

But as various reports make it clear, the entire team’s in a bit of a tailspin, with many expecting upper management to follow despite hanging Newton out as their scapegoat. Trabzonspor were banned form European competition for FFP violations, and saw their squad significantly weaken with the departures of veteran forward José Sosa and left back Filip Novák, before leading goalscorer Alexander Sørloth quit the team during the September international break, and forced a transfer to RB Leipzig.

The move could also prove unfortunate for one Lewis Baker, who joined the team on loan from Chelsea for the season. The 25-year-old has made six starts so far.

Best of luck to him, and to Steady Eddie, whatever may come next.