Who's Ready to Step In? Our Guide to Every Premier League Club's Next Interim Boss

The managerial merry-go-round never stops spinning in the Premier League, and when it does, someone's always waiting in the wings with a clipboard and a whistle. We've taken a stab at predicting which trusted lieutenant or club stalwart will get the nod when each of the 20 top-flight outfits need a temporary custodian.

Arsenal — Per Mertesacker has the pedigree and the inside knowledge. Should the Gunners stumble early under a new regime after Arteta departs, the German's academy credentials make him the natural choice to bridge the gap.

Aston Villa — Darius Vassell is already embedded in the coaching structure. Emery's grip is unlikely to slip, but if it does, Vassell's there and ready to make his senior managerial mark.

Bournemouth — Tommy Elphick has become something of a fixture in the backroom. After assisting multiple managers, the former skipper's next role will probably involve a spell holding the fort when the club hits a rough patch.

Brentford — Jordan Henderson's communication skills are unmatched. When the players inevitably zone out from the coaching staff, the man who thrives on direction and organisation is the obvious interim choice.

Brighton — Andrew Crofts has done virtually every job imaginable at the club. He's even managed them temporarily between Potter and De Zerbi in 2022, though they've never quite let him take charge of an actual match since.

Burnley — Mike Jackson knows the drill. Parker's right-hand man has already done a shift in 2022, earning Manager of the Month plaudits after winning three and drawing one of his first four games before things fell apart and the club dropped down.

Chelsea — Calum McFarlane appears destined for a lengthy contract after one victory. His second interim stint suggests there'll be several more before his Chelsea tenure concludes.

Crystal Palace — Paddy McCarthy has the experience. Two caretaker spells under his belt already—stepping in between Vieira and Hodgson, then overseeing a 1-1 draw at Everton while Glasner settled in—make him the obvious placeholder.

Everton — Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman formed an effective partnership at the start of 2025, combining to oversee an FA Cup victory over Peterborough. If the Toffees stumble next season, expect the dynamic duo to reunite.

Fulham — Tom Cairney's captaincy and leadership suggest he'll be the natural interim when Silva eventually receives an irresistible offer elsewhere.

Leeds United — Red Bull's solution? Jurgen Klopp, complete with wingsuit if necessary. The German will be parachuted in to steady the ship once they find their excuse to move on from Farke.

Liverpool — Steven Gerrard continues to circle. While Slot has weathered the storm for now, the former captain remains the perpetual option whenever the club needs a quick fix.

Manchester City — Pep Lijnders fits the bill. When Guardiola's replacement inevitably struggles under the weight of the role, City's hierarchy will call on Lijnders to plug the gap.

Manchester United — Darren Fletcher's presence offers INEOS breathing room. He's the comfortable choice to buy time while the hierarchy plots its next move.

Newcastle United — Steve Harper will emerge from his academy director role when the moment arrives. Tindall's loyalty to Howe suggests both will depart together, leaving the former goalkeeper to step up.

Nottingham Forest — Andy Reid stands ready, though Marinakis tends to avoid the caretaker route entirely. Should Pereira stumble without a successor lined up, the ex-midfielder becomes the contingency plan.

Sunderland — Granit Xhaka's magic touch on Wearside means he's the natural successor if Le Bris gets tempted away to pastures less welcoming.

Tottenham Hotspur — Ryan Mason is forever the answer. Defenders have tried stepping up, but Mason remains the default interim option whenever needed.

West Ham — Mark Noble supposedly operates as sporting director, though reports suggest he lacks an office and genuine influence. A managerial caretaker role might finally give him something meaningful to do.

Wolves — James Collins faces an unfair reputation after one 3-0 Chelsea defeat when Wolves looked destined for the record books. He remains the interim choice despite that baptism of fire.