Harry Redknapp Odds On Favourite In Chelsea Manager Betting

Harry Redknapp has emerged as the shock favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the Next Chelsea Manager after Guus Hiddink distanced himself from the vacancy earlier today. Paddy Power have slashed Redknapp's odds to just 8/13, making him the odds-on favourite to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

Ever since Ancelotti was given the boot on Sunday in the aftermath of Chelsea's defeat to Everton, a catalogue of big names have been thrown into the spotlight. Hiddink was originally installed as the leading candidate, but has publically come out and announced his committed to Turkey. Similarly Jose Mourinho was right in the thick of things, until recently when his odds were lengthened to 25/1. Today there has been a huge market for Redknapp as bookmakers slash his odds. Marco van Basten is also in the mix, with Paddy Power pricing the Dutchman at 11/2 to become the new Chelsea boss.

Since joining Tottenham in 2008 Redknapp has taken them from the dark depths of the relegation zone all the way through to the last eight of the Champions League. His passion and charisma has transcended down onto his players as they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, both domestically and in Europe. Last season Redknapp guided Spurs to a top four league finish, resulting in qualification to the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. This season they were arguably the most entertaining team in a competition which saw them progress though to the quarter-finals after impressive wins against the Italian giants Inter and AC Milan.

Even though his odds have been dramatically cut, it would still come as quite a surprise if Redknapp joined Chelsea. Roman Abramovich is desperately seeking a man who can win him the Champions League, and after recently disposing a guy who has got two of them in his trophy cabinet, it is difficult to see him choosing Redknapp, who has only one year's experience in Europe's premier tournament. As for Redknapp himself, it should be pointed out that the 64-year-old has a history of switching between rival clubs, having managed both Portsmouth and Southampton. The season has only been over for four days and yet the summer rumour mill is already in full swing!