So now it is confirmed that Mark Hughes has walked away from Fulham, so that leaves the question of who will be Fulham’s next manager. Betting is exploding on the next manager markets, with West Ham just picking up their new man Sam Allardyce, Chelsea still waiting to get a new boss into Stamford Bridge, Gerard Houllier’s stepping down at Aston Villa because of ill health, and now Fulham are out of a boss as well. The hype and speculation flooding the back pages has been about Mark Hughes going to Aston Villa. There was a get out clause in his contract, which allowed Hughes to walk away with little compensation involved. However, he flat out resigned, leaving Fulham in limbo, despite the club offering him a new 2 year deal after they had finished eighth in the Premier League and landed a spot in the Europa League, thanks to their top record on the Fair Play table. So there were positives for Hughes at Fulham, and while he is adamant that no external influences made him quit Craven Cottage, it is all looking suspicious as he has been linked so strongly with Aston Villa. Hughes cannot be approached, nor can he take a new job until after June 30th because of rules and regulations. Will Villa wait that long? Is he even really the man that they want? Wherever Hughes ends up, it has left Fulham in spot which they didn’t expect to be during the off season, looking for a new manager. It is a disruption they didn’t need really, as they had a good solid thing going at Craven Cottage this year. But maybe this will be the chance for someone to come in take them a step further forward. Here we take a look at the front runners now being named by online bookmakers in Next Fulham manager betting.
Martin O’Neill – 5/2 at SkyBet
There will be an ironic twist in the world of Premier League management if Fulham decide to take Martin O’Neill. After possibly losing Mark Hughes to Fulham, getting former Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill (who walked away from them) would add some spice to next year’s fixtures. O’Neill does fit the bill at Craven Cottage, he is the sort of man whose style would solidify and build upon the work that Hughes achieved this year. Fulham don’t have a lot of spending money, and with Martin O’Neill shrewd track record in management, he would make a good return here. His name has been linked with other jobs, but this would feel like a good fit. Could do a good job, although it is hard to see Fulham going too far forward, O’Neill would at least make his stamp on the club.
Martin Jol – 4/1 at Victor Chandler
Looking at what the bookies are trading in the markets for next Fulham boss betting, Jol is also in the running for the Villa job. Would keep up the neat football that Fulham play, and it would be a bold choice in that Jol would probably make them more of an attacking side. Fulham are a bit neutral, and they may need someone to change things up a little bit. This feels like a risky move squeezing Jol into Craven Cottage, a bit of a square peg in a round hole, but one that could pay off it they are patient with him. He will want to drag them forward, but the funds aren’t there.
Steve McLaren: 6/1 at SkyBet
Lost his job at Wolfsburg, so is looking for work. The former England boss would probably be a better fit at Fulham than he would as Aston Villa, but can see him working at both. McLaren did at least try to play some expansive football in his club management, but there is an air of cautious sensibility about him, which kind of makes him very Fulham-ish. The question is, will his England management reputation haunt him though? Would be a solid fit, but not an adventurous one.
Carlo Ancelotti: 10/1 at SkyBet
The former Chelsea boss is also linked to the Villa position. Let’s weigh this up, it would mean that Ancelotti stays in London, and close to his last job at Stamford Bridge. Villa would have more promise for him though, as they would have more spending money than Fulham. Ancelotti could do a great steady job at Fulham, and may be able to lure experienced free signings to the club, given his extensive links in the game. It would be a more expansive side he would take over at Villa Park, but Fulham play neat, conservative football, almost Italian style.
Alan Curbishley: 10/1 at SkyBet
Can totally see this happening if Curbishley was going to get back into the game. A man much respected and feel like he would do a great job at Fulham. He does a lot of things very well, man manages well, uses limited resources well. He would definitely get the best out of the Fulham squad that is there and would at least keep them around where they are now. Definitely worth an outside look in your Fulham next boss betting. Really could answer the question of who will be the next Fulham boss.
Alex McLeish: 10/1 at SkyBet
This is another man who would fit the bill. This would be an immediate step back into the Premier League for him, after getting relegated with Birmingham. Would he desert the Blues and take over at Craven Cottage? There is a decent chance of him doing so really, as it would be an escape from the Championship and another chance to prove himself. He did win the Carling Cup with Birmingham, and Fulham could do a lot worse. Another decent shout in your next Fulham boss betting odds.
