Newcastle United are facing up to a very real threat of relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, with takeover talks stalling and a lack of new transfer additions. It would be hard to blame Rafa Benitez should he decide enough is enough and fans and pundits alike agree that the Spaniard is the right man to take the Magpies to the next level - but will he get the resources to do so before it’s too late? What Are the Odds looks at the next Newcastle manager odds according to the bookmaker Paddy Power.
So if Benitez leaves Newcastle who on earth could be next in to steady a ship that is sailing through choppy waters? The favourite, maybe somewhat surprisingly, is the recently sacked Mark Hughes who faced a torrid end to his time at Stoke City. Odds on the former Man City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Wales manager to take over at St James’ Park are 11/2 (6.50), which of course indicates it’s not anywhere near close yet. But with the market now open on the next Newcastle manager - fans will be concerned with less than two weeks left of this all-important transfer window.
Michael O’Neill, the current Northern Ireland manager and Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland are both backed with odds of 10/1 (11.0) to replace Benitez on Tyneside. Talks to take Michael to the Scotland national vacancy are ongoing and that would likely be the destination for the man who guided the Northern Irish to the latter stages of Euro 2016, and within touching distance to the 2018 World Cup. Martin on the other hand was recently approached about taking the Stoke job, but it would be quite a shock to see him head to a club in a post-Benitez era, which would likely mean a club going in the wrong direction in the league and transfer market.
An interesting pick to be next manager wayback at 20/1 (21.0) is former Newcastle favourite Kevin Nolan. The 35-year old bagged 29 goals from midfield in 85 appearances in the north east and is currently managing Notts County in League Two, to a likely promotion charge - with the club currently 2nd in the table. Nolan could certainly be a wildcard option to motivate the current crop of players, or maybe in the worst case scenario should the club be in the Championship, the former midfielder’s experience of the lower leagues could be what gets him the top job at his former employer.
What Are The Odds will continue to monitor the next Newcastle United manager odds to see what unfolds at St James’ Park during the rest of this January transfer window and beyond.
Probability of next Newcastle United manager
| Next Manager | Next Newcastle Manager Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Hughes | 11/2 | 15.38% | |
| Michael O'Neill | 10/1 | 9.09% | |
| Martin O'Neill | 10/1 | 9.09% | |
| Slaven Bilic | 12/1 | 7.69% | |
| Garry Monk | 14/1 | 6.67% | |
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