n this episode of Strain on the Game, Stephen and Adrian dive deep into one of the Premier League’s biggest modern problems: the disappearance of time, patience, and stability for managers.

With sackings at record levels and average tenures dropping below 18 months, they explore why the managerial cycle has become so brutal — and what really drives clubs to pull the trigger. From fan pressure and media noise to ownership demands, cultural resets, relegation fear, and the rise of short-term thinking, nothing is off the table.

Stephen shares first-hand experiences from the dressing room — what happens when a manager loses the players, how culture shapes success, and why some managers survive while others never get a second chance. Adrian brings the performance science angle, looking at how managerial changes impact injuries, fitness levels, and the entire high-performance environment.

They also discuss:

• Project managers vs. “firefighters”

• Why patience created the great eras of Ferguson, Wenger and Klopp

• How poor recruitment, club identity mismatches, and ownership changes can ruin stability

• The player power debate and what really happens behind the scenes

• Why some promoted managers thrive — and others don’t

• How media, fan channels, and instant gratification shape modern expectations

A revealing, honest conversation about the volatility of football management, the pressure cooker of the Premier League, and why so many clubs keep repeating the same mistakes.

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