How can you fire a manager after a single game?

In a new low for treatment of managers, Carlisle United have embarrassed themselves and manager Neil McDonald by firing him after just one game, obviously making him the first manager to be unseated this season. And not even for a loss!

McDonald was a coach with Bolton and Crystal Palace looks set to renew his ties with Sam Allardyce at Newcastle after the announcement.

McDonald took over the job from Paul Simpson a year ago and led Carlisle to an average eighth place in their first season back in League One. Respectable for a promotion.

Carlisle drew 1-1 against Walsall on Saturday, and afterwards the firing took place.

The decision has been rightly condemned as “deplorable” by the League Managers Association.

Gregg Abbott has been appointed caretaker manager.

"This is obviously a major surprise to me. I am absolutely amazed this has happened so early in the season but I am not prepared to say anything more at this point." - McDonald

The club’s board claim to have lost confidence in the manager; if that is the case, why wait until now? If there was no confidence now, then there was none a few weeks ago. It’s ridiculous.