Nature Watch

Today's science lesson, girls and boys, is about that fascinating animal- the football manager.

A creature that is recognised by most, although some breeds are much better known than others.

They almost exclusively begin life as players, then as they grow older, whilst the majority fall by the wayside, a select few metamorphosize into managers - much as caterpillars turn into butterflies.

Some thrive in a stable habitat. But for most, their harsh environment means they have to be able to acclimatise quickly to new surroundings and have the capacity to identify predators around them.

They live on a varied diet, some maintaining an athletic physique through a healthy diet, others choose to indulge in a staple menu of pies.

Whilst not usually regarded as an over-aggressive species, they have been known to become violent when aroused.

Some rise to the top of the pack and manage to stay there for prolonged periods . Others are destined to be in the spotlight one minute, then cast into the wilderness the next. Some are even hunted and have to rely on others to defend them.

What remains a mystery is what place do they go to to die. And indeed where they go to after that?