Next Southampton Manager Odds: Eckert Favourite After Perfect Start
Southampton are on the hunt for a new boss after Will Still was relieved of his duties following a 2-0 home defeat to Preston earlier this month.
The Saints registered just two wins under the former Lens boss, and the owners turned to the club's U21s manager, Tonda Eckert, to oversee the first team as the search for a new head coach continues.
The German has made a perfect start to his interim reign with two wins from two, and is now the hot 4/7 favourite on betting sites to be given the job on a full-time basis.
Below is a breakdown of some of the main candidates in the running, along with a look at what they could bring to the role.
Has Eckert Done Enough?
Eckert is not an instantly recognisable name in English football, but the German has made the perfect start to his spell as interim manager at Southampton.
He had been put in temporary charge after Still's departure, having impressed the owners with his performances with the club's U21s.
The former Genoa and Barnsley assistant manager made an immediate impact, leading the Saints to a 2-1 win over QPR in his first game in charge, and followed that up with a 3-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
If he can continue in the same vein, it will be hard for the owners not to give him the job full-time.
O'Neil Odds Drifting
Not long ago, it looked certain that O'Neil would be returning to Wolves to fill their managerial vacancy.
It was reported that he was in discussions with the Wolves board about returning; however, he ultimately walked away from the negotiations.
That had seen the 42-year-old returning to the market to replace Still at Southampton, but his odds have drifted dramatically from 8/11 to 5/2 after Eckert's excellent start in charge.
O’Neil has earned praise for his work at Bournemouth and Wolves, and is in the running for other vacant positions.
If O'Neil is their man, the Saints board will have to move fast, as he is favourite in the next Norwich manager odds.
Rodgers The Right Man?
Having shortened from 8/1 to 7/2, Brendan Rodgers' chances of getting the job seem to be improving.
The Northern Irishman brings a substantial track record in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership and, most importantly, the Championship.
The former Liverpool and Leicester City manager only left Celtic at the end of October, so it is hard to know if he would prefer to take some time off rather than jump straight back into management.
If Southampton’s board opt for a high-profile name to take on the challenge of guiding the Saints up the table, Rodgers could be the choice.
Next Southampton Manager Odds:
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Tonda Eckert | 4/7 | 63.6% |
Gary O'Neil | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Brendan Rodgers | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Russell Martin | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Michael Carrick | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Carlos Corberan | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Ralph Hasenhuttl | 14/1 | 6.7% |
Steven Gerrard | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Gareth Southgate | 25/1 | 3.8% |
David Wagner | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Lee Carsley | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Martin To Make Sensational Return?
Russell Martin was the surprise frontrunner on betting apps to return to the club that sacked him in December last year, but his odds have drifted to 8/1 as support comes for Eckert.
If the Southampton board and their fans can forgive what was always going to be a tough challenge in last season's Premier League, Martin's performance in getting the Saints promoted from the Championship in 2023/24 may be enough for him to be welcomed back.
The former Swansea boss is on a redemption mission after being sacked by Rangers after just 123 days.
His familiarity with Southampton and their fan base gives him an obvious edge over outsiders.
If the Saints want a fast, smooth transition, Martin ticks many of the right boxes.
Carrick Waiting For New Challenge
Michael Carrick is another candidate to have drifted in the market, going from 13/2 to 8/1 to replace Still.
Despite being linked to a number of jobs already this season, the former Middlesbrough manager is still waiting for his next challenge.
For a club looking to rebuild stability after turbulent times, Carrick offers calmness and a steady hand.
While he lacks experience at the highest level, he did an impressive job at the Riverside and is still considered a top coach.
Hasenhuttl Has Unfinished Business
Ralph Hasenhuttl (14/1) will feel like he has unfinished business at St Mary's.
The Austrian impressed with his high-intensity football philosophy during his tenure at the club. He helped them avoid relegation in 2019 and led them to 11th place the following season.
He has since gone on to manage Wolfsburg, and his familiarity with the environment at the Saints could make for a seamless return.
The question is whether the club wants to revisit a past era or embark on something entirely fresh.
Corberan Among Outsiders
Carlos Corberan (12/1) has plenty of experience in Championship football, having managed both Huddersfield and West Brom.
The Spaniard is currently struggling with Valencia in La Liga, and could welcome a change of scenery back in a league he knows well.
Beyond the leading names, the market includes a group of managers with top-level experience.
Premier League legend Steven Gerrard and former England boss Gareth Southgate are available at 25/1.
David Wagner (25/1) is another with extensive experience in managing in the Championship, having led Huddersfield to the Premier League in 2017, while the likes of Lee Carsley and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can be backed at the same price.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
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