STUART McCall reckons life in football management is getting harder than ever as City prepare to take on the club who swung the axe first this season.

Justin Edinburgh’s exit from Northampton at the end of August opened a sack race which has so far claimed five victims.

Three of those were dismissed last Saturday night as the early pressure starts to bite.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s arrival at the Cobblers helm has signalled an upturn in recent form, with this week’s loss at Wigan their first in his four games.

McCall, who watched Northampton’s defeat with assistant Kenny Black ahead of the meeting with City, said: “Gone are the days when you used to get three-year contracts and could build for the future.

“Fans have got louder voices now with the phone-ins, forums and social media. Quick change seems to be the way.

“There are occasions when people have got rid of managers early and someone else has come in and done well. It’s whatever club you’re at.

“But football management is difficult with the highs and lows.

“Enjoy the good times and relish that moment to take good confidence from it.

“But you’re also aware that it’s only three defeats and it can turn the other way. People’s opinions change very quickly, so you’ve got to keep a level head.”

Frank de Boer lasted only four Premier League games at Crystal Palace. And Harry Redknapp, who helped Birmingham beat the drop from the Championship on the final day of last season, was among three managers fired after the latest round of matches.

McCall added: “Harry’s an experienced manager who kept Birmingham up and now he’s gone.

“You do have knee-jerk reactions at some clubs but unfortunately that’s the way football management is. You don’t usually get a lot of time if you have a sticky period.

“Sometimes you’ll be unfortunate and the likes of de Boer and Redknapp will think it’s been too early. But that’s the business we’re in.

“It has got tougher over the years with quicker turnover. Depending who you’ve got in charge of the football club, they want success now.

“We all get that it’s a results-driven business but there are times when it may be down to certain reasons and circumstances. That’s when you need the understanding of everyone.”

McCall returned to Valley Parade for his second stint in charge 15 months ago and is already in the top 50 of longest-serving current managers.

One opposing boss he has faced this season, Chesterfield’s Gary Caldwell, was among the weekend sackings.

McCall added: “The key for me is you don’t get too high or too low if you can help it.

“When the momentum’s going, jump on it and keep with it. But you’re always aware there will be challenges and difficulties around the corner.

“You’ve got to be ready to meet them, keep the same philosophies and keep your head screwed on.”