Dark horse for Rangers job sees his odds slashed in half

Since Mark Warburton’s departure, speculation over the next Rangers manager has almost all focused on market leaders Alex McLeish and Graeme Murty – but there’s been a potentially huge plot twist, with Alan Irvine seeing his odds slashed from 14/1 to 7/1.

The former West Bromwich Albion gaffer has moved from outsider to fourth-favourite in the betting in under 24 hours, following reports of firm interest from the club and a run of bets on the 58-year-old taking the role.

Currently assistant to Alex Neil at Norwich City, the lure of the Ibrox job – if offered – would surely be too strong to turn down for the Glasgow native, who hasn’t managed since his exit from the Hawthorns in November 2014.

For now though, Alex McLeish is at the head of the betting at 2/1, having edged ahead of current caretaker boss Graeme Murty who now finds himself at 9/4, with  a trio of Billy Davies, Frank de Boer and Alan Pardew available at 10s.

However, our traders have essentially ruled out a return for another former Gers gaffer, with Dutchman Dick Advocaat priced at 20/1 to take the top job at Ibrox once again.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “Irvine’s gone from outsider to fourth-favourite in less than 24 hours, and a number of punters clearly think he could be on the verge of taking the Ibrox hotseat.”

Next up for Rangers is a trip to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Friday night, with 17/20 for the visitors to enjoy victory in the Highlands.

But will it be Murty in charge once again, or will we see a new face dishing out the orders from the away dugout this weekend?

Ladbrokes Latest Betting:

Next Permanent Rangers Manager

Alex McLeish – 2/1

Graeme Murty – 9/4

Dougie Freedman – 5/1

Alan Irvine – 7/1

Derek McInnes – 8/1

Billy Davies – 10/1

Frank de Boer – 10/1

Alan Pardew – 10/1

Tommy Wright – 16/1

Barry Ferguson – 16/1

Dick Advocaat – 20/1

Kevin Muscat – 20/1

Craig Moore – 20/1

25/1 bar

Others available on request

Click here for the latest Rangers manager odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing