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The term Black Monday was originally used in 1209 in reference to the massacre of 500 settlers from Bristol by a clan of Gaelic warriors.
More recently it has been coined to describe various stock market crashes or the first Friday of the New Year when spouses decide after the Christmas holidays that they want a divorce!
In sporting terms it is most commonly used in American Football following the regular season. Black Monday brought five dismissals from the 32 teams, the most surprising of which was rookie coach, Rob Chudzinski, of the Cleveland Browns.
Even though he finished with only four wins this was the 11th consecutive season in which the famous Dawg Pound has been unable to watch the play-offs.
Of course, in other sports the threat runs all season. Football (soccer) carries the greatest threat although managing a national cricket team is bringing increased scrutiny, particularly when your side has suffered a whitewash.
In the English Premier League, David Moyes (Manchester United) and Sam Allardyce (West Ham United) are the two facing the greatest threat, although both bought time with crucial wins at the weekend.
England’s national cricket coach, Andy Flower, has faced tough questions this past week following their Ashes drubbing at the hands of Australia, which looks likely to continue throughout the one-day internationals. At least he does not stand alone with critics also questioning the captaincy of Alastair Cook.
Yet, the England and Wales Cricket Board should look no further than their vanquishers for the answer. As recently as the summer the press and public were calling for Michael Clarke’s head. The Australians had been beaten 3-0 in England and this followed a debacle in India. He has just overseen what many describe as the greatest Ashes victory in history.
At the top of the Premier League at the end of the last full weekend sat Arsenal who have the longest serving manager and most successful following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the previous holder of both titles.
Sport is no place for rash decisions, particularly as redemption can be only a win away!
