Smudger Smith: Di Matteo had won nothing since May

The Journeyman Pro

In a professional career spanning two decades, Simon "Smudger" Smith has played for over 67 clubs. The ultimate utility player, as his pace has diminished he has reinvented himself time and again, from poacher to holding midfielder, centre-back to goalkeeper.

What a week. Managers are dropping like November leaves. First Roberto Di Matteo's given his P45 by Chelsea to general astonishment, though people forget he hadn't actually won anything since May. Many are angry with Roman Abramovich. I can understand why; the bloke acts like he owns the place.

I feel for Di Matteo. One defeat in Europe and he's out on his ear. Man United lost on the same night and nobody is calling for Ferguson to get the chop. Far from it, yesterday he was actually honoured with a statue. Double standards.

The QPR board had obviously decided, like taking your tie off at a wedding or getting seconds of a meal, it's always best to wait for someone else to go first. Off the back of the Chelsea sacking, they decided to get rid of Mark Hughes. As is so often the case with any failing relationship, the spark(y) has gone.

There is now talk that Roberto Mancini might be the next to go after his side failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. If I were Robby I wouldn't worry – if his compatriot namesake at Chelsea taught us anything it's that owners aren't especially bothered about that trophy these days. Hats off to Borussia Dortmund, though; like Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams in their prime, they got out of a difficult group.

Finally, it looks like Harry Redknapp will be the man to take over at QPR. I think it would be a good decision and I know from personal experience that he gives the lads a lift. There's plenty of space in that Land Rover and he even lets you sit in the front if you keep schtum while he's being interviewed.

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