Saturday evening saw the end of Harry Redknapp’s relatively short reign as manager of Birmingham City after six straight defeats in all competitions, with the club’s last victory coming back on August 12th. As the dust settles and the former Tottenham manager gone who could be next to take the hotseat at St Andrew’s?
According to the odds at Paddy Power it’s the former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka that is tipped to make a return to management after being sacked towards the tailend of last season, with Boro all but condemned to relegation back to the Championship. Odds-on Karanka taking the job aren’t super overwhelming at this current point with odds of 15/8 (2.88) on-offer - it could be that the club are awaiting the next result under current-interim boss Lee Carsley, who was drafted in after Redknapp’s departure.
This seguays in nicely to the second favourite, who is indeed the former Irish midfielder Lee Carsley who could get the chance to impress this Saturday, in a tricky looking away fixture at Derby County. Victory in the east Midlands would certainly see his current odds of 21/10 (3.10) shorten significantly - so current value looks good on Carsley, but after such a run of defeats, for the Blues to win away at Derby would be quite something.
An interesting name doing the rounds is former West Ham and Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who has been out of work since December 2016 after being sacked as the boss of Crystal Palace. Odds of 16/1 (17.0) doesn’t signal that this an appointment imminently forthcoming, but if owners are looking for someone who can provide stability and experience of promotion from the Championship, then perhaps Pardew’s appeal may rise. It would be safe to assume that a lot will ride on the interest and availability of current frontrunner Aitor Karanka.
For one reason or another the standout name in the market is that of former Barcelona and Real Madrid ace Luis Figo. Having played over 500 games for clubs like the Spanish giants and Inter Milan, it would be somewhat of a coup to bring the legendary Portuguese international to St Andrew’s. However, with no managerial experience and odds of 33/1 (34.0) on it happening it’s looking like nothing more than a big name to make up the market at Paddy Power - nevertheless it’s always fun to speculate!
Perhaps Birmingham fans would like to see Frank de Boer be given a second chance in English football after his four-game spell at Crystal Palace? Well you can currently back the former Ajax boss at 66/1 (67.0) - we don’t expect this to be a popular bet.
Probability of next Birmingham City manager
| Next Manager | Next Birmingham City Manager Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aitor Karanka | 15/8 | 34.78% | |
| Lee Carsley | 21/10 | 32.26% | |
| Steve Cotterill | 11/4 | 26.67% | |
| Alan Pardew | 16/1 | 5.88% | |
| Luis Figo | 33/1 | 2.94% | |
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