http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_book/2010/06/oneill-favourite-to-succeed-benitez.htmlO'Neill favourite to succeed BenitezWith reports suggesting Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is poised to leave Anfield, bookmakers have started betting on who will be the club’s next permanent manager. Martin O’Neill is the initial favourite, with Ladbrokes quoting 2-1 and Paddy Power a tad longer at 9-4.
Benitez’s position has been the subject of speculation for some time but news that the Anfield hierarchy are negotiating his departure after a poor season suggests a new name will be on the manager’s door by the start of next season.
Villa boss O’Neill is followed in the betting by Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who is 3-1 with Ladbrokes and 100-30 with Paddy Power.
Fans’ favourite Kenny Dalglish is also proving popular for a return at 5-1 with Paddy Power. Ladbrokes make the Kop legend 6-1.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “The money says O’Neill but for many it would be a surprise as the canny coach tends to go somewhere heading in an upward direction.
“Despite that though the Liverpool job remains one of the biggest in English football and betting on their next manager will be frenetic.”
Nick Weinberg, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: “Martin O’Neill’s credentials are in no doubt. Aston Villa’s transformation under his guidance will not have gone unnoticed by the Liverpool hierarchy.”