Michael O'Neill Favourite In Next Hibernian Manager Betting
by Paul Smith / 11 November 2011, 15:23TweetHibernian have announced that they will examine over 40 applications as they start their search for a fifth manager in less than four years. The Easter Road club axed Colin Calderwood last Sunday after a 1-0 home defeat to Dunfermline and, following the club's annual general meeting, they have spoken of their desire to appoint a manager who has the character and spark to ignite their season after what has been a poor start. Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has emerged as the odds-on 4/6 favourite in the Next Hibernian Manager Betting. The 42-year-old has seen his profile soar after guiding the Irish club into the Europa League group stages and he has widely been praised as one of the most talented up-and-coming managers within the UK & Ireland.
O'Neill's contract at Shamrock Rovers ends on 31st December 2011 which means that if Hibs want to avoid paying compensation for his services they would have to wait until that date. However, Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche has revealed that they are in talks with O'Neill about extending his contract but nothing yet has been finalised. O'Neill has experience in both managing and playing in Scotland having managed Brechin City and played for Hibs (between 1993 and 1996) as well as the likes of Dundee United and Aberdeen. He has made a big impact at Rovers since joining in 2009 having won back-to-back league titles, the Setanta Cup, and also led them to the Europa League group stages. His raising profile means that he has been linked to a number of managerial jobs including the Northern Ireland national team.
Former Hearts manager Jim Jefferies is also in the running with odds of 9/2 while Jimmy Calderwood, who is available at 14/1, has expressed his interest in joining the club. For the time being Hibs have installed assistant Billy Brown in charge as caretaker boss. Brown too has been touted as a possible replacement and is currently available with odds of 13/2 to succeed Calderwood.
All odds courtesy of Paddy Power.
