STEVE Cotterill admits the huge turnover of managers in the Championship does not surprise him.

Barnsley became the 17th Championship club to change their manager in the calendar year after sacking Andy Ritchie earlier this week.

The former Oldham boss was dismissed just six months after guiding the Tykes to promotion from League One.

While Cotterill shared sympathy for Ritchie, the Clarets boss insists the chopping and changing of managers has become "part and parcel" of football.

Asked if he was surprised by the big changearound of managers in the division, Cotterill said: "I don't think I can say I'm surprised.

"I don't know whether it should be accepted or whatever," said Cotterill. "But you feel for Andy Ritchie.

"You never know what's gone on, but I feel for him because a couple of weeks ago I think he was denied permission to speak to Sheffield Wednesday.

"Perhaps people on the back of that scenario may now wonder why other managers refuse to comment on speculation on other clubs. Because you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

"It's better to shut up and get on with your job. I just hope that quickly those good managers that are out of a job get back in one and get cracking again. That would be my wish for them."

Cotterill, who took over the helm at Turf Moor in the summer of 2004, is proud of his longevity with the Clarets.

He added: "I've ended up being the longest serving manager in the Championship, for a club that has stayed in the Championship.

"There's Mike Newell who got promoted (with Luton) whose been in his job longer and Steve Bruce (at Birmingham) who has come down, so I'm very proud of that statistic."

Cotterill takes charge of his 125th competitive game today as Burnley host third-placed Birmingham hoping to end a run of back-to-back league defeats.

Cotterill stated his admiration for Blues boss Bruce, claiming that he is one of the good guys in the game.

"Their season has turned around for them and I am personally delighted for Steve," said Cotterill.

"When he went there three or four years ago, he got them up and he kept them there.

"They played some good football and competed with all the Premiership big guns.

"Not only have Birmingham stuck with him, but he has stuck with them. It's a credit to Birmingham for having patience, but Steve is a credit to himself and I'm delighted for him.

"He really is a very popular guy and has done a magnificent job."