With the rumblings still going on about a potential takeover at Newcastle, the Toon Army will probably be pleased with how the Next Newcastle Manager market is looking.
That is because former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been moved into an odds-on quote of 10/11* (betting odds taken from Betfair at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020).
Newcastle Next Permanent Manager Betting Odds*
Mauricio Pochettino 5/6
Rafa Benitez 5/1
Kevin Keegan 14/1
Massimiliano Allegri 14/1
Jorge Jesus 14/1
Marcela Bielsa 20/1
Julian Nagelsmann 33/1
Marco Rose 33/1
Ralph Hasenhuttl 40/1
* (betting odds taken from Betfair at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020)
Poch to make the move to Tyneside?
A couple of weeks ago Pochettino was given a big 14/1 quote to be the next boss at Newcastle, to follow on from the incumbent Steve Bruce.
But since the speculation over a purchase of the club, which would mean a big money investment and new expectations, Pochettino has been increasingly linked with Newcastle.
There is gossip that the club wants to get him even though the Argentine has been reported as saying that he would like to return to Tottenham. It sounds as if he has some unfinished business there.
It was only last summer that Pochetino led the Lilywhites to the UEFA Champions League final, losing there to Liverpool.
But the subsequent off-season saw Pochettino cut a disgruntled figure.
In mid-November he was dismissed after a poor run of domestic results had left the Lilywihtes down in 14th in the table. Pochettino was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Fast forward twelve months almost from that Champions League Final and Newcastle fans probably can’t believe that he is the front runner.
Benitez to make a sensational return?
Of course, Steve Bruce is still in charge of Newcastle at the moment after replacing Rafa Benitez at the start of the last campaign.
But whether the current season finishes or not, most are not expecting Bruce to be staying around, certainly not if the proposed Saudi takeover happens on Tyneside.
Paddy Power have Steve Bruce not to be Newcastle manager for the opening game of the 2020/21 Premier League season at 1/4 odds-on* (betting odds taken from Paddy Power at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020)
Rafa Benitez is the 5/1 second-favourite in the Newcastle Next Permanent Manager market behind only Pochettino* (betting odds taken from Betfair at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020).
The Spaniard did a tremendous job for Newcastle despite some very limited purse strings hampering him. He built a great rapport with the Toon Army, most of which never wanted to see him go anyway.
Takeover to happen quickly?
Reports this week suggested that the takeover could be done and dusted within a couple of weeks along with others suggesting that they are looking at Flamingo boss Jorge Jesus as their next manager.
So he and interesting longer-priced option at 14/1 in the current market* (betting odds taken from Betfair at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020).
If the takeover happens before any potential return from the shut down because of the COVID-19 outbreak, then would the club use the opportunity to make a managerial change?
Pochettino is currently out of work. Or would they ride the season out?
Mike Ashley potentially selling Newcastle (once again) has been one of the big stories of the shutdown.
In what position will they be when they restart? Either way, Newcastle to win the Premier League in any of the next 5 seasons after 2019/20 is a drifting 7/2 punt* (betting odds taken from Paddy Power at 00:33 GMT on Thursday, April 30th, 2020)
