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Mark Hughes backed to be next West Ham Manager

Mark Hughes was the early mover in the bookmakers odds to become the next West Ham United manager after the Upton Park club sacked Gianfranco Zola.

Hughes, who has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Man City in December, opened up at odds as big as 16/1 as the club's new owners, David Gold and David Sullivan began their search for Zola's replacement. However, support for the former Wales and Blackburn boss was not slow and by the end of the same day that Zola had cleared his desk, Hughes was as short at 6/4 (Victor Chandler). The current best price on Hughes being in charge of the Hammers next season is 7/2 with Coral, who were the ones offering 16s early doors.

Hughes was linked to the job back in January when Gold and Sullivan took over control of the club, when it was rumoured that they were set to swing the axe early but their decision to stick with Zola until the end of the season showed little signs of progress on the pitch and as a result it would appear that Hughes is high on the shortlist.

Avram Grant opened up the short price favourite with the bookies to be the next West Ham manager, and the odds of 1/3 suggested that a deal was already in place for the Portsmouth boss. However, with the continuing support for Mark Hughes, Grant's odds are on the drift and Israeli is currently a 10/11 chance with Stan James.

Grant is sure to prove a popular choice amongst Hammers fans after guiding Pompey to the FA Cup final despite huge off the field troubles but if he was to return to the Premier League next season, West Ham would have to pay Portsmouth compensation, which wouldn't be the case if they opted for Hughes.

Other names linked with the job include former Hammers player and current Croatia national coach, Slaven Bilic, whilst Alan Curbishley has emerged as a surprise candidate to make a return to the club which sacked him in 2006, albeit under different ownership. Birmingham boss, Alex McLeish, who was appointed manager of the Blues when Gold and Sullivan were in charge there has also been backed. However, if the betting is anything to go by, this looks a two horse race between Grant and Hughes.

Next West Manager Betting

Avram Grant 10/11
Mark Hughes 5/2
Slaven Bilic 9/2
Alex McLeish 12/1
Alan Curbishley 14/1
Glenn Hoddle 16/1
Martin Jol 16/1
Dave Jone 20/1
Odds supplied by Stan James

Posted: Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Author: Tony Smith
Tags: english premiership, mark hughes, alex mcleish, west ham united, stan james,

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