Former Premier League manager sacked for third time in ten months

Ruben Selles has been sacked by Real Zaragoza, the third time he’s been dismissed from a managerial post inside ten months.

The Spaniard was only appointed by the club in October and managed just 20 games.

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But after a run of just four wins in LaLiga 2, the club have dismissed the former Southampton manager.

In a very brief statement, they said: “Real Zaragoza announces that the contractual relationship between our entity and sporting director Txema Indias and coach Ruben Selles has ended.

“The club thanks Txema Indias and Ruben Selles for their professionalism, dedication and effort during their time at the club and wishes them the best of luck in their future professional endeavours.”

This latest dismissal follows he 42-year-old being sacked by Sheffield United in September.

Selles was brought in to replace Blades legend Chris Wilder after they narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion, losing the play-off final to Sunderland.

But the board decided that Wilder’s time was up, and Selles was brought in despite being sacked by Hull City at the end of the season in May 2025.

The Spaniard managed to keep the Tigers up in the Championship, but it wasn’t deemed good enough.

Stuff of nightmares

Selles’ time at Real Zaragoza came to an end after a 1-0 home defeat to Burgos, making it seven games without a win for them.

Of his last 28 games as a manager, he has won just five.

This includes a shambolic period at Sheffield United where the Blades only scored one Championship goal under his tenure, which came on the opening weekend – a 4-1 home defeat to Bristol City.

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He lost all of his six games in charge, including the Carabao Cup clash against Birmingham City before the Blades brought Wilder back.

In a statement, the club said: “Sheffield United Football Club’s board of directors have opted to make a change at managerial level.

“After a disappointing start to the EFL Championship campaign, Ruben Selles has been relieved of his duties as manager.

“Following a review of recent performances, and taking into account the feelings of supporters, the timing of the change has been made to give the club the best possible opportunity to improve the current league position.

“The board of directors wish to thank Mr Sellés for his hard work.

“A new manager will be named in due course.”

What’s next?

Selles has experience at the highest level, having coached Southampton during the second half of the 2022/23 season when they were in the Premier League.

But since departing Reading to join Hull, Selles has a had a few bruising managerial roles.

This can be seen in the results from his time at Bramall Lane and with Real Zaragoza.

And it could be time for a reset for the Spaniard.