Martinez in demand for managers’ posts

SPORTS BETTING:

WITH Euro 2012 just round the corner – more next week – Premier League chairman will be anxious to have their vacant managers’ seats filled as soon as possible.

Four major jobs are up for grabs, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Brom looking for the right man to take them up the league.

In Chelsea’s case, I find it bizarre that Roberto Di Matteo has not already got a contract after winning the Champions League and the FA Cup following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

The Italian was odds-on for the post a week ago but, worryingly for his supporters, he can now be backed at 5-4.

The reason for this is the sustained support for ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola (11-4) despite his assertion that he needed a break from football after leaving the Catalan giants.

Fabio Capello is a 4-1 shot for the Stamford Bridge hot seat, but his pragmatic approach might not sit too well with owner Roman Abramovich.

Over at Anfield, the way seems to be clear for Swansea boss Brendan Rogers to take charge following the departure of Kenny Dalglish. I can’t say I like Dalglish as a man, but his exit did seem harsh after he delivered Liverpool the Carling Cup and took them to the FA Cup final.

Still, Rogers is ambitious and the Liverpool job would surely be too hard to resist for the 1-4 favourite.

Wigan chief Roberto Martinez has spoken to the Anfield club and is the 11-4 second favourite, but he is also in the frame for the Villa job. Quoted at 7-4, only Norwich manager Paul Lambert (13-8) is in front of him in the betting. Rafa Benitez is 10-1 along with Di Matteo.

As for the West Brom vacancy, the bookies reckon Ralf Rangnick is the most likely appointment as he is their 8-11 favourite. The ex-Stuttgart and Schalke boss quit the latter post in September, citing exhaustion. Heaven knows how he will cope with the Premier League.

The more interesting bet is on which of the four guys who take charge will be first out of the exit door...





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