Shortest Managerial Reigns In Scottish Football History

Michael Tidser Sacked By Dunfermline After 11 Games: Ranking His 60-Day Reign in Scottish Football History

Michael Tidser was sacked as Dunfermline’s manager yesterday after exactly two months in the role, during which he managed only two league wins in eight games. Following lengthy negotiations with Fife neighbours Kelty Hearts, Tidser joined Dunfermline on January 17.

The day after his appointment, Las Vegas–based businessmen James Bord and Evan Sofer officially completed their takeover of Dunfermline, stating they hoped to realise the club’s "immense potential" thanks to their background in data analytics and artificial intelligence. Bord had previously worked for Starlizard - the renowned data analytics company with which Brighton’s Tony Bloom is involved - and Bloom is rumoured to be planning a substantial investment in Hearts.

Tidser leaves with Dunfermline in 9th position - the relegation playoff spot - the same position the club was in when he arrived. However, their poor form has allowed Airdrie, who occupy the automatic relegation place, to cut the gap to just six points behind the Pars.

Chairman and chief executive David Cook said:

"Clearly this has been a difficult spell for the club and our supporters. We wish Michael all the best and thank him for his efforts while head coach.

"We are now working on making an appointment to help us maintain our league status."

However, when compared to a (select list) of short-lived managerial reigns in Scottish football - excluding temporary and interim managers - Tidser does not even rank among the top ten shortest reigns based on the number of games managed!

The table below highlights some of the briefest managerial reigns in Scottish football history, including two managers who were announced but never took charge, one manager who left after a single game because his brother appointed him elsewhere, and, of course, the manager sacked despite being at the top of the League!