Thorn pits wits against managerial big beasts

As befits a league that financially ranks as one of Europe's biggest, the Championship in 2011/12 has plenty of big name managers in charge of some its clubs.

Sam Allardyce has taken over at West Ham United following their relegation and has vowed to have the Hammers back in the top-flight by the time they take over residency at the Olympic Stadium while Chris Hughton was considered to be harshly sacked by Newcastle in the Premier League and has now become the new Birmingham City boss.

Meanwhile in the East Midlands, two former England managers will be expected to deliver promotion challenges at the Walkers Stadium and City Ground respectively. Sven Goran Eriksson will be well backed in the transfer market by his bosses at Leicester City while Steve McClaren is back in his home country with Nottingham Forest.

For the Sky Blues, working to a tight budget and having to replace key players from last season it all adds up to a managerial baptism of fire for Andy Thorn who impressed everyone with his attacking ethos and straightforward approach to the job when appointed as caretaker last season.

The bookmakers make Thorn an 8/1 shot to be the first managerial casualty of the Championship campaign but, having come into the job from outside the usual merry-go-round route, he may yet surprise a few people.

Off the pitch, Tuesday's Sky Blue talk concerns takeover rumours which have surfaced again after Joe Elliott's decision to stand aside from his role as life president as he is involved with Gary Hoffman's potential bid for the club.

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