Dismissed Reading chief best bet to fill Leeds vacancy
Published:Neil Warnock was long expected to relinquish his post as Leeds manager this coming summer, but a home defeat to Derby saw his United tenure come to a premature end.
And as such, Ladbrokes punt on the next man to take charge of the Whites, with former Reading boss Brian McDermott and current Brighton chief Gus Poyet the joint 3/1 favourites.
It looks wise to focus on McDermott in this market though, especially considering Poyet’s recent rejection of the opportunity to succeed the man that guided the Royals to the Premier League.
Indeed, Poyet was offered the Madejski Stadium post, and did consider a switch to Berkshire, before eventually deciding he had unfinished business to tend to with the Seagulls.
In light of this, the chance to join fellow Championship side Leeds, whose owners have clouded ambitions, is unlikely to attract Poyet, despite his history as an assistant manager at the club, and positive rapport with Elland Road supporters.
And whilst both aforementioned candidates are thought to feature prominently on Leeds owners GFH Capital’s shortlist to replace Warnock, ex-Royals boss McDermott is believed to be the preferred choice.
McDermott himself has already discussed the merits of the Yorkshire position meanwhile, but speaking prior to Warnock’s exit, refused to go as far as to put himself in the frame for the job.
His sparkling Championship record will enhance his chances of landing the United post greatly though, considering the 51-year-old guided Reading to fifth and first-place finishes in only two full seasons in England’s second tier.
There will be some punters who fancy a bet on a longer-priced option taking the Elland Road reins though, and these could do worse than back Owen Coyle to return to management at 10/1.
The 46-year-old Scotsman has been out of football since leaving Bolton last year, and is believed to be preparing an application for the Leeds vacancy, in which he will point to his Championship promotion with Burnley as an indication of his credentials.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
