Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is already facing questions from some supporters after just one game of the new season.
Sale suffered a 34-24 defeat to Bristol Bears in their Gallagher PREM opener at the AJ Bell Stadium, with the hosts looking noticeably less cohesive than their visitors.
Some of that rustiness can be explained by the timing of the game, with it being the first match of the season and Sale having brought in 12 new first-team players over the summer.
However, supporters have already started to question whether Sanderson can take the team forward.
There was little to suggest that Sale have made significant progress from the side that finished seventh last season, 22 points behind sixth-placed Bristol.
It is important to note that there have been no reports linking Sanderson with an exit from Sale.
His close relationship with owners Simon and Michelle Orange also means there is little to suggest that he is currently under serious pressure.
Despite that, some supporters have made their feelings clear following the defeat.
One fan wrote: “Alex Sanderson is a great coach but something clearly isn’t working anymore, coaching staff need to move on, the team needs something new otherwise we are going in for another hard to watch season.”
The Sale coaching staff also includes recently appointed Joe Ford, the brother of England fly-half George Ford.
His appointment was met with some negativity from supporters, with some questioning why the club had not looked outside the Ford family for a new addition to the coaching team.
Another supporter simply wrote: “I can’t see Alex Sanderson lasting this season...”
That view was echoed by another fan, who said: “I can’t see any possible way Alex Sanderson will still be at Sale Sharks come the end of the season.”
Sale have strengthened their squad significantly, with the likes of Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant and Nicky Smith joining the club.
The squad now looks much stronger on paper, while last season's struggles were partly put down to a lack of depth and a difficult run of injuries.
With those issues addressed, there could be fewer places for Sanderson to hide if he cannot get this Sale side firing.
Five Gallagher PREM bosses most likely to leave their post this season
5 Dan McFarland (Newcastle Red Bulls)
Dan McFarland faces a huge challenge at Newcastle Red Bulls after a major summer rebuild. With the club now backed by serious investment, there could be pressure for quick results.
He must get a large group of new players working well together. Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has also been linked with the job, although any move would likely come after the 2027 World Cup.
4 Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)
Phil Dowson is unlikely to leave Northampton Saints due to poor results. Instead, his success could put him in line for a bigger job. Dowson led Saints to the Gallagher PREM title last season and has built a strong record of developing young players.
With Steve Borthwick under pressure with England, Dowson could emerge as a contender if the RFU decides to make a change.
3 George Skivington (Gloucester)
George Skivington's position at Gloucester looked under threat after a poor 2025/26 campaign, but the pressure has eased. Gloucester finished eighth last season, while fans have called for better results.
A major win away at Exeter Chiefs has helped, while Chris Boyd's arrival as technical director should also support Skivington. Early signs suggest things are improving, but another poor run could bring fresh questions.
2 Jason Gilmore (Harlequins)
Jason Gilmore faces a major challenge at Harlequins after a poor start to the new season. Quins lost their opening home game against Bath and finished ninth last season.
The club has also made few major additions to the squad, with George Furbank one of the key arrivals. There are also questions over whether Gilmore will change his approach. Harlequins need a major rebuild, and pressure could grow quickly.
1 Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks)
Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is already facing questions after a 34-24 defeat to Bristol Bears in their Gallagher PREM opener.
Supporters have questioned whether he can take the club forward after last season’s seventh-place finish.
However, there are no reports linking him with an exit, and his strong relationship with the owners remains a key factor.
With Sale’s squad now much stronger, pressure could grow if results do not improve.
