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To begin, a brief note from our editor-in-chief, James Andrew:
This year, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, a multitude of questions surrounds the Premier League. While the answers will unfold over the upcoming nine months, the majority of this ambiguity revolves around the team managers.
Before the current campaign got underway, nine different teams had appointed new head coaches, exceeding the tally from the start of the 2016-17 season by one. If you include Manchester United and Tottenham from the previous year, a total of 11 clubs have replaced their leadership since the turn of the year.
Throughout the 34-year history of the Premier League, the championship trophy has been lifted 26 times by just five iconic figures: Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, or Pep Guardiola. For the very first time since the division’s inception, not a single one of these elite coaches is active, ushering in an unfamiliar epoch where every managerial transition brings inherent uncertainty—even for powerhouses like Liverpool and Manchester City.
The pressure is just as intense for teams that concluded the previous campaign lower in the standings but harbor ambitions of climbing up—with Bournemouth, Chelsea, Fulham, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest all desperate for their fresh coaching setups to succeed, alongside the recently elevated Ipswich Town.
Championship contender Mikel Arteta stands as the sole Premier League manager whose tenure predates the current decade—leaving Arsenal supporters eager and expectant for their team to maintain their recent momentum, making this transitional season an intriguing spectacle to observe.
Hope you enjoy the issue,
James
The Managerial Shift
Since the beginning of 2026, 11 fresh managers have taken charge in the Premier League, with nine stepping in over the summer break. Reigning winner Mikel Arteta faces a host of new rivals this year—including Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso, Michael Carrick, and Andoni Iraola, who are all eager to unseat him. We analyze each of the incoming tacticians for the season ahead.
Bournemouth’s European Venture
For the very first time, Bournemouth are set to test themselves on the continental stage. This represents an incredible milestone for both the club and its supporters, given they were on the brink of dropping out of the Football League under twenty years ago. Stepping in for Andoni Iraola, newly appointed head coach Marco Rose will guide the team through this historic European campaign.
Out of the Den and Into the Boardroom
Long before Theo Paphitis helped aspiring business minds secure investments on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, he was at the helm of Millwall Football Club. During his tenure as chairman, the team reached the FA Cup showcase and earned a spot in European competition; here, the ex-chief reflects on his memorable years leading the Lions.
Global Football Stories
Experienced football writer and globetrotter Paul Watson shares some of the most bizarre and heartwarming accounts from the international game, presenting a curated list of 20 exceptional stories.
The Legendary Aguero Moment!
Manchester City icon Sergio Aguero reflects on the historic late strike that secured their maiden Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium, alongside the highlights of his celebrated career.
A Truly Exceptional Talent
Discover all the details about Brighton’s expensive new teenage acquisition and the Manchester City prospect drawing strong comparisons to Raheem Sterling.
A Footballing Jack of All Trades
As a former professional, manager, broadcaster, and beloved public figure, Chris Kamara has experienced almost every facet of the sport. In this edition, he speaks candidly to FourFourTwo about his journey in the game and his ongoing struggles with apraxia of speech.
Stadia Spotlight
Millwall manager Alex Neil reflects on the painful play-off defeat from the previous year and explains why leading the club into the top flight would represent his proudest career milestone.
In addition, our latest column ‘Beyond the Turnstiles’ journeys to Matlock Town, explaining exactly why this unique venue deserves a spot on your football travel itinerary.
Inside the Players Lounge This Issue…
Steve Coppell discusses his unexpected friendship with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Neal Maupay chats about provoking Arsenal on the pitch, and Clarke Carlisle speaks openly about holding the title of Britain’s most academic footballer.
The Kit Room
Our fresh gear showcase highlights a segment of the actual World Cup final turf, beautiful new alternative uniforms for Juventus and Brentford, and a completely fresh artistic take on the England squad.
We review the 1978-1980 Cardiff City home jersey in our Classic Kit section and point you toward the top online tracker for logging the stadiums you have visited.
A Tribute to Kevin Keegan
In light of his passing, FourFourTwo presents a rerun of our comprehensive feature interview with “King Kev,” reflecting on his monumental career and his journey both in and out of the spotlight.
First Half
Consider yourself a true football mastermind? Challenge yourself to hit a perfect score in our Ultimate Quiz. Meanwhile, regular writer Jules Breach analyzes three of the most discussed subjects facing the Premier League this term.
Demba Ba highlights the career-defining matches of his life, while lead singer of The Script, Danny O’Donoghue, shares his thoughts on the current state of Manchester United.
Karen Carney celebrates remarkable sporting icons alongside a standout screen star in our People I Admire column.
Dream Team
Jan Molby assembles his finest ever starting lineup composed of iconic figures he played alongside for both Liverpool and the Danish national team.
