Posted on June 2 2011 by Caitlin Carver

Houllier Departure from Villa Sparks Betting Rush on Next Manager

Gerard Houllier left his role as manager of Aston Villa yesterday after concerns about his health. After missing the final month of the Premiership season his departure comes as no surprise and has immediately sparked a betting frenzy regarding his successor.Houllier’s time as Villa manager was tainted by mixed results and calls for him to be sacked as Villa slipped towards the relegation zone. However, things seemed to be turning around for Houllier just as he fell ill. It was felt a return to the job would be too detrimental for his health and would not be an appropriate move for the club.His departure now opens up a job vacancy at one of the most illustrious clubs in the country. Aston Villa Chief Executive, Paul Faulkner, confirmed “We have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager”. As is always the case with vacant Premiership management jobs the names instantly pop up.Villa Next Manager BettingThe early favourite across the board is Mark Hughes. The Welsh legend has a decent managerial track record and has so far failed to extend his contract with Fulham which expires this summer. He can be found odds on with most bookies including bet365 (4/7) and 888 (4/6). Former England manager Steve McClaren is then second favourite at 9/4 with Paddy Power. Recent Chelsea managerial casualty Carlo Ancelotti is a surprising entry as third favourite at 7/1 with William Hill.As with every managerial vacancy there is some shrewd betting to be had. A couple of intriguing names involved in the early odds include David Moyes who is 14/1 with Betfred and has suggested he might have taken Everton as far as he can. Rafa Benitez is also 6/1 with Victor Chandler and he has stated intent to return to England to manage.If you want a more outlandish bet then there is Avram Grant and Diego Maradona at 80/1 with Paddy Power and the odds of Martin O’Neill making a return to the club are 33/1 with Betfred. 

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