Blackpool’s search for a successor to Steve Bruce is now into a fifth full day.
Former Seasiders defender and Bolton boss Ian Evatt remains the favourite to fill the managerial vacancy with the bookies, with the likes of Leyton Orient supremo Richie Wellens and Pools’ very own Stephen Dobbie also hotly fancied.
Former Chelsea, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers winger, Damien Duff, is also a supposed front-runner, according to the markets. The 46-year-old ex-Republic of Ireland international is currently out of work after quiting League of Ireland champions Shelbourne in June.
But it’s not just Blackpool where Duff has an apparent host of admirers willing to part company with their hard-earned cash. The two-time winner of the Premier League is also highly-fancied to be named the Republic of Ireland’s next international boss.
Current ROI manager Heimir Hallgrimsson finds himself under increasing pressure at the Aviva Stadium, with his side presently bottom of their World Cup qualifying group.
Indeed, Eire sit five points off leaders Portugual and two behind second-placed Armenia after two games, following their defeat to the European minnows in Yerevan last month.
A minor miracle is now already needed for Ireland to reach the World Cup finals in North America next summer. And with former Iceland assistant manager Hallgrimsson’s record across the Irish Sea far from impressve (P12 W4 D3 L5) following his surprise July 2024 appointment, many fans are already setting their sights on a replacement.
Duff curently tops the betting in that respect, with both SkyBet and PaddyPower having the Dubliner as the 7/2 favourite to be the next Republic of Ireland manager.
Former Brighton boss Chris Hughton (4/1) and Manchester United defender John O’Shea (5/1) are also in the running.
Blackpool are not expected to get their man until after Saturday’s game against Stockport County - a game which will see Dobbie take charge of first-team matters.
Who that will be remains to be seen. But with the likes of League One rivals Luton also in need of a new leader, and the Seasiders currently second-from-bottom in the table, the pressure is on to make their move and get that decision right.
Here’s the latest odds on Blackpool’s next manager according to talkSPORTBET.
For your next Blackpool read: Simon Sadler's previous six Blackpool appointments - with ex-Newcastle United, Wolves and Leeds United figures all failing
