Football betting: next Newcastle manager

Barely a year ago Sam Allardyce was the fans' favourite to be the next England manager before he was hailed as the man to bring the trophies back to Newcastle. However after just eight wretched months in the St James' hotseat the former Bolton boss now finds himself seeking employment elsewhere after his reign was ended by mutual agreement. Former Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is the 7/4 favourite with Paddy Power to take his place. Click here for a Paddy Power Poker $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker There had been no signs that Allardyce was about to lose his job, indeed he had talked at length on the day he was fired about who he was targeting in the transfer window but it seems that billionaire owner Mike Ashley finally ran out of patience after a run of poor, defensive displays. The club, currently 11th in the Premier League, said that no manager had been lined up to replace Allardyce and first-team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team in the interim period. Allardyce, who was in charge for just 24 games, and signed nine players during his period in charge, said: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle but I wish the club all the best for the future." Allardyce is the eighth Premier League managerial casualty of the season, and he leaves the post with an overall record of eight wins, six draws and 10 defeats. Since Toon hero Kevin Keegan left Newcastle 11 years ago, a total of six permanent managers have come and gone at St James' Park, and it has been 39 years since the club won a major trophy. Former captain Shearer has been strongly linked with the post but after an intial surge of interest on trading exchange Betfair his price drifted and sources close to the former striker claim he is 'highly unlikely' to accept the role if it was offered to him. Other early shows are for former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who would certainly fit the Newcastle brand of football. The Dutchman is 11/2 with Paddy Power. Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has all the experience and football know-how to excel in the role and he is currently second favourite on Paddy Power at 12/5 while another current Premier League boss, Mark Hughes, is 5/1. If Ashley is serious about his ambitions for the side then the fans will want a big name as their next boss and Paddy Power price up former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at 10/1 alongisde former England coach Terry Venables. Keegan is 14/ to make a return to the club while another former England boss, Steve McLaren is 25/1. Click here for a Paddy Power Poker $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker