Next Luton Town Manager Odds: Richie Wellens Hardens For Hatters Role
Richie Wellens is now the overwhelming favourite on betting sites to replace Matt Bloomfield as Luton Town manager.
Bloomfield was sacked following five defeats from his first 11 games in a mixed start to the Hatters' League One campaign.
In the meantime, Alex Lawless has been placed in caretaker charge of Luton, who head into the international break in 11th place.
The search is on to find a replacement for Bloomfield, but who do Hatters fans hope to see as their next boss?
We take a look at some of the names in the frame to fill the vacancy and the latest next Luton manager odds provided by football betting sites.
Wellens Backed To Land Hatters Role
Wellens has been well backed in recent days to take over at Kenilworth Road.
Priced at 10/1 earlier in the week, the 45-year-old is now the 1/2 favourite to replace Bloomfield.
The Leyton Orient boss led the team to promotion in 2022/23 and last season's play-off final which they lost to London rivals Charlton.
This season has been a struggle, however, so might Wellens be ready to take on a new challenge at the Hatters?
Next Luton Town Manager Odds
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Richie Wellens | 1/2 | 66.7% |
Jack Wilshere | 4/1 | 20% |
Russell Martin | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Alex Lawless | 14/1 | 6.7% |
Sean Dyche | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Luke Williams | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Michael Carrick | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Dave Challinor | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Gary O'Neil | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Wilshere Waiting In The Wings
Jack Wilshere has made no secret of his desire to move into full-time management and reportedly turned down the chance to lead Arsenal’s U21s in August.
The former Gunners and England midfielder spent last season on the coaching staff at Norwich City, where he stepped up as interim boss following Johannes Hoff Thorup’s departure in April.
Widely regarded as one of the game’s brightest young coaches, Wilshere is seen as ready to take the next step - and Kenilworth Road could offer the ideal platform.
He was recently the Evens favourite to become Luton Town’s next manager, but has since drifted to 4/1.
Martin Could Make Immediate Return
Russell Martin has emerged as a surprise candidate to become Luton Town’s next manager.
Although his recent stint at Rangers ended after just four months, Martin’s track record of developing players makes him an option as Luton look to stabilise following Bloomfield’s departure.
He guided Southampton to Premier League promotion in 2024, earning plaudits for his stylish, possession-based approach.
Martin was 12/1 on betting apps earlier this week, but his odds have since been cut to 8/1.
Opportunity Knocks For Fan Favourite Lawless
Installed as interim boss after Bloomfield’s dismissal, Alex Lawless (14/1) now has an excellent opportunity to show his ability.
A key figure in Town's 2013/14 Conference title win and scorer of the famous FA Cup goal against Wolves, he certainly commands respect among supporters.
Now heading the U21s after rising through Luton’s academy ranks, the 200-game club veteran has an intimate understanding of the Hatters’ DNA.
With deep roots, coaching experience and fan trust, Lawless looks like a natural fit to steady Luton’s ship.
Williams Has Right Credentials
Luke Williams is the type of progressive coach with a possession-based style that Luton have preferred in the past.
He led Notts County to a remarkable 107-point promotion in 2023 before taking charge at Swansea City during the following season.
Although his tenure with the Swans ended with mixed results, Williams’ reputation for dynamic, attacking football has seen him linked with several jobs.
The Hatters are thought to be admirers of the 44-year-old, but his price has drifted from 10/1 to 16/1 replace Bloomfield in the dugout.
Dyche Joins Hatters Party
Sean Dyche had been one of the frontrunners to replace Martin at Rangers, but with Steven Gerrard possibly heading for a return to Ibrox, he may have to look elsewhere for his next post.
Dyche has extensive experience of coaching in the Premier League with Burnley and Everton, so he may decide to bide his time rather than drop into the third tier.
The former Millwall and Watford centre-back twice led the Clarets to the top flight, but his two-year spell at Everton was not as successful, although he had to deal with the club's takeover, points deductions and financial constraints which prevented a lack of activity during the transfer windows.
Dyche does not have a reputation for exciting football, but he knows how to get teams promoted and is 16/1 to fill the Hatters vacancy.
Carrick And Challinor Enter The Ring
Elsewhere, Michael Carrick and Dave Challinor are also priced at 16/1.
Carrick is looking for work after his two-and-a-half-year reign at Middlesbrough ended in June.
Challinor's stock continues to rise, having steered ambitious Stockport to promotions from the National League and League Two.
The Hatters reached last season's League One play-offs thanks to a third-placed finish, but missed out on the final following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Leyton Orient.
Gary O’Neil impressed at both Bournemouth and Wolves, guiding the Cherries to Premier League safety before earning plaudits for his progressive, high-energy style.
His modern approach could appeal to the Hatters’ hierarchy, although he has drifted from 14/1 to 20/1 for the role, bearing in mind he is favourite for the Norwich job should Liam Manning be sacked.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
Luton fans, who do you think should be the next manager at Kenilworth Road? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
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