Well Nigel Pearson received his P45 after the suspension and owner Mel Morris decided to reappoint Steve McClaren less than a season and a half after firing him.
What the difference is in him since he sacked him one only knows. His stock has dropped after an awful spell in charge at Newcastle, but yet again he returns to Derby as the club again appoints him when he is considered damaged goods by many.
To be honest not many, if any clubs would be willing to employ him as manager again after his latest failure. I only hope that he can regain the trust in the players who were under him last time.
One thing is for sure and that is if he hasn't learned a lesson in loyalty by now he may never learn! After seemingly coasting to promotion during the second season of his tenure we don't need reminding of how the self destruct button was pressed.
I was amongst those calling for his head after being left furious by his refusal to rule out the Newcastle job despite being asked many times by the media.
I'm not one of those who support his return. apart from being a believer in never go back, he will find a different situation this time round.
McClaren has predictably returned to the 4-3-3 formation which worked so well in the lead up to the play off final. it was however less effective when teams started to plan for it. Also, the squad he inherits this time isn't as geared up for it! Sure most of the team he left are still here, but a forward who holds up the ball isn't.
We started his second reign with a win against a Leeds United side who will feel unlucky not to go away with a point at least. it was a better performance from the team, but then again it couldn't be much worse given some of the tripe we have been dished up so far!
The Brentford game saw a point at home and yet another game where we failed to score. It's getting very frustrating for fans who are used to seeing plenty of goals at home.
I think the visit of the Bees saw McClaren receive a reality check that the job is possibly bigger than he might have anticipated. Only an a person of total optimism will believe that anything can be salvaged from this season.
We go into this weekend visiting high flying Huddersfield. Although they have lost their last two games, it should be a good indicator of how far behind we are to the top.
Despite my reservations of the return of the Mac I like all true fans will be hoping for a real turnaround and a statement of intent from the team. Let's go terrorise the Terriers!
