Phil Clarke: Does a change of coach result in an upturn in performances?

Will it be a Good Friday for the St Helens supporters this year? In addition to not appearing in a final for the last two seasons, losing to their arch rivals Wigan has left them with a bad taste at Easter.

Some fans think that a change of coach will increase their chances, and we have seen that happen before.

Our researcher at Sky Sports, Ian Proctor, reminded me of several examples of this happening:

• Stuart Raper succeeding Frank Endacott and taking Wigan to the 2001 Grand Final
• Mike Gregory taking over from Stuart Raper and again taking Wigan to the 2003 Grand Final
• Tony Smith replacing James Lowes (just three games in) and taking Warrington to their first Challenge Cup win in 35 years
• Brian Smith saving Wakefield from relegation (via Million Pound Game) after succeeding James Webster in 2015
• Chris Chester replacing Brian Smith at Trinity and taking them into the Super 8s last season.

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In football, one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds seems to be happening right now.

Everyone knows that Leicester City won the league last season but not everyone is aware of how they have gone on since then.

Just a few weeks ago, they sacked their manager Claudio Ranieri and promoted his assistant Craig Shakespeare. The change in fortune has been amazing. Here are the stats:

2016/17 Season (Premier League only)

Under Claudio Ranieri:

Played 25
Won 5
Drew 6
Lost 14
Goals for 24
Goals against 43

Under Craig Shakespeare:

Played 6
Won 5
Drew 0
Lost 1
Goals for 15
Goals against 8

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St Helens supporters will be hoping that they have a similar upturn in performances, but it was also pointed out to me this week by Rod Studd that what usually happens in these circumstances is that people only remember the ones when results improve.

They ignore a) manager leaves results get worse b) manager leaves results stay similar and most crucially of all c) manager doesn't leave and results improve.

Live Betfred Super League

Leicester City are a good example of the last point. In 2015 they sat bottom of the Premier League with 19 points from 29 games.

However, they stuck with then-manager Nigel Pearson and picked up 22 points from their remaining nine games to finish 14th.

Rod makes a very good point and I value his knowledge and opinion. With just a few tickets left at the DW Stadium, the only way of finding out what impact it has on the Saints is to tune in to Sky Sports 1 HD at lunchtime on Good Friday.