Ny betting liste:
Amid reports that Massimo Cellino will interview 10 people for the Leeds United manager’s role, we take a look at who SkyBet think those candidates are.
According to reports in The Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino plans to interview as many as 10 candidates to replace Brian McDermott after bringing an end to the 53-year-old's tenure as the club's manager.
Cellino, who is due to meet with Leeds players and the remaining coaching staff at Elland Road later today, is unlikely to wait long before confirming the appointment of a 'head coach' and has quickly assembled a list of candidates for the role.
We take a look at who SkyBet have as their top 10 potential successors to McDermott and ask whether they are the right man to take Leeds to the next level.
The List:
Gianluca Festa - 11/10
Dave Hockaday - 7/2
Nigel Gibbs - 12/1
Gianfranco Zola - 14/1
Benito Carbone - 16/1
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - 16/1
Claudio Ranieri - 16/1
Gary Bowyer - 16/1
Massimiliano Allegri - 20/1
Keith Hill - 25/1
Analysis:
I believe that Gianluca Festa has been the favourite for the role all along. He was the clear favourite to take over back in January when McDermott was first sacked, and if not for a fan revolt, then I believe he would already be the Leeds boss.
Nevertheless, it seems like he may face competition if he is to land the Elland Road job, but I would be surprised if it was anyone but him.
Dave Hockaday, the former Forest Green Rovers manager, has somehow found himself at the forefront of the betting markets despite being relatively unknown. He may be one to keep an eye on, but I don't think that he is the man the Leeds fans or Cellino ultimately wants.
In my opinion, Gianfranco Zola would be the best choice as he already has relatively fresh Championship experience and has worked - quite successfully - under Italian ownership before. For me, the Chelsea legend is Leeds' most realistic option.
Unless mega-money was to be spent this summer, I doubt either Claudio Ranieri or Massimiliano Allegri would be interested in the role. Gary Bowyer seems settled at at Blackburn Rovers and probably wouldn't be too interested in a move to another Championship club.
Nigel Gibbs, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Kieth Hill are all names I suspect could be pushed on the list by the bookies, for one reason or another; however, I doubt any of them would be considered serious contenders for the role.
Benito Carbone, who was heavy favourite at one point, has been ruled out for the job by Cellino.
Should Gianfranco Zola be made the new Leeds United boss?
