Wayne Rooney: humility in the face of adversity

Professional football has developed a New Year ritual based around the transfer window. In January, midway through the season, a two-fold routine emerges.

First, clubs at both ends of the league tables charge around frantically, trying to add players to their squads to bolster the chances of promotion or avoid relegation. Second, managers get sacked if they have lost more than three games in the Christmas period, regardless of their previous reputation or record. This ritual, often a make-or-break period for many clubs, can significantly influence a manager's career trajectory. 

Wayne Rooney is one of the most famous ex-players to have entered management in recent years. He's currently on an undesirable hat-trick. On 2 January last year, he was sacked by Birmingham City in the New Year routine after 15 games in charge. This year, he left Plymouth Argyle by 'mutual consent' on New Year's Eve after 25 games.