When Martin Jol was carelessly and inexplicably sacked in 2007 by Tottenham, the football world shouted against it. Even Jol's enemies sympathized with him. When, also in 2009/2010 season, Mark Hughes, then of Manchester City, was given a top-five target, and was sacked even while in 5th, the whole world criticised football administrators. When his successor, Roberto Mancini, still finished 5th, people got more baffled at Hughes' dismissal.
But that same Hughes got a job with Fulham. While Fulham hit poor form, everyone except the club owners wanted him fired. He stayed on and steadied the ship. Before his name could be spelt however, he left the club and the owner and players were in disarray.
Alex McLeish, a popular figure, won the Carling cup with Birmingham against Arsenal, yet they were relegated. The club supported him. He woke up one morning and resigned - through e-mail, and is set for Birmingham's bitter rivals, Aston Villa.
The case of Hughes and McLeish demonstrates how football politics should be played - in dirty, uncaring and heartless manner. While Fulham recovered and employed an even better gaffer than Hughes, ironically Martin Jol, Birmingham are in deep trouble - relegated and confused.
In my opinion, we should no more pity these coaches when they are dismissed, deservedly or not. They are also capable of breaking hearts, like Hughes and McLeish.