The ink was barely dry on Gareth Southgate ’s resignation letter to the Football Assocation before the bookmakers were pricing up the candidates to replace him. Now, just as quickly, the odds have been released as to the next managerial position the Three Lions manager will hold. It wouldn’t be a shock if Southgate doesn’t decide to take a long break from the beautiful game and although there will be plenty of offers open to him to become a television analyst during September’s Nations League group matches, it may be that he doesn’t feel it is right to heap even constructive criticism in the direction of his successor.
Manchester United are the 2/1 favourites with Paddy Power and Betfair to be his next port of call, though, as they have often been linked with a move for Southgate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. The Dutchman, however, has signed a extension after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final and will be given a bit of a leash moving forward. Newcastle are 6/1 with the same firms, presumably under the assumption that the Magpies would swoop for Southgate if Eddie Howe heads in the opposition direction, but that looks a stretch.
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are next in the betting at 10/1 and 12/1 respectively but they look well set for the foreseeable future and in any case, Southgate’s cautious style may not be welcomed at two of his former clubs unless he’s called in to to help a club in relegation trouble. It’s possible he could move.