By Dom Howson, Yorkshire Post, Friday 24^th August

Huddersfield Town supremo Andy Ritchie thinks the managerial merry-go-round is "crackers" as Carlisle boss Neil McDonald became the latest boss to be given his marching orders this week.

McDonald had only been at the helm since June 2006, but his departure brought the total number of managerial casualties to nine in the last 12 months in League One.

Former Barnsley chief Ritchie is all too familiar with unfair dismissal after cruelly being axed by Reds chairman Gordon Shepherd last November.

And because of past experiences, the Mancunian knows nothing can be taken for granted in this trophy driven football world.

He said: "I'm not flabbergasted because nothing takes me by surprise in football.

"It was a big shock and disappointment to me when I heard the news about Neil as he's a good mate of mine.

"I sent a message to him immediately wishing him well.

"You look at his record while in charge; they finished eighth last season on a small budget.

"It's just amazing that someone can't be in a job after doing such a great job.

"They got a great result on the opening day at Walsall but then by Monday morning he was given the sack - it seems absolutely crazy.

"I think the average for a manager being in a job is about 13 months and it's just crackers.

"You know as a manager you are going to get the sack at some point but you hope to be in the job more than the norm.

"I'm sure Neil will bounce back from it. It's probably the first time in his managerial career that he has had a kick in the nether-regions."

Ironically, Town face the managerless Cumbrians this coming Saturday, and Ritchie is calling on clubs to bring an end to the happy-go-sacking policy.

"I just feel that common sense has got to prevail at times," the 46-year-old said. "You look at the situation at Crewe where the board of directors is very happy to give people time to turn things around.

"Dario (Gradi) has had a recent relegation but there was no knee-jerk reaction by their board.

"They had aspirations as a board to be sensible and back their man because they knew what he was doing was right.

"I think boards and fans have to be more patient. Fans can get a bit edgy if results don't go their team's way but they have to give the manager time.

"When managers bring in new players, it takes time to gel them together.

"The problem is that football has become such a results driven business that you are under pressure from day one to succeed.

"But there are some boards that are looking in the long term and certainly at Huddersfield, they are not a team that would sack people early and they have shown that over the years.

"I have a good relationship here with the chairman and Andrew Watson the Vice Chairman.

"Our aim is to get promotion; that's what I achieved at Barnsley and it was a great feeling and I want it again.

"It's important we instill that belief into the players and make them eager to reach that goal as well."

There was no joy for the Terriers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, as they were knocked out by bogey side Blackpool thanks to a goal from ex- Hull striker Ben Burgess.

And Ritchie admits he's a little deflated to be out of the cup so soon.

The ex-Leeds youth development manager said: "I was a little disappointed we didn't show more urgency until we went 1-0 behind. We could have been 2-0 up before they scored, but they took their chance and we didn't.

"Although we are disappointed to be out of the competition, we have to take the positives from the way we played.

"We wanted a good cup run because it breeds confidence into the team and provides extra revenue for the club.

"I wanted that but we have to go for the F.A. Cup instead!"

Another blow for the West Yorkshire club was an injury to full-back Frank Sinclair. The experienced defender was taken off with 18 minutes to go against the Tangerines with a hamstring problem.

The knock could keep the ex-Chelsea star on the sidelines for as long as five weeks.

"It's a blow not having Frank available for selection.

"He's the most experienced player we have in defence so it's disappointing to lose him.

"He played well against Blackpool up until when he came off.

"We are hoping that the problem is not too severe but the worse case scenario is that he could be out for five weeks," Ritchie added.

"We have cover at right-back in Aaron Hardy and Andy Holdsworth who I rested on Tuesday.

"They can do a job for us in that position so we are not down to the bare bones.

"I would be a little bit reluctant to move Andy to full-back because I believe he is best employed in midfield.

"But sometimes you have to make those decisions."