After relegation from League One last year, this season was always going to be a test of fortitude for John Coleman and Accrington Stanley, but despite falling to 16th in the league, very few fans expected him to get the boot in such a distasteful manner. Coleman, having managed The ‘Owd Reds between 1999 and 2012, before re-taking the helm in 2014 till now, is very much a beloved figure among the fans and, despite suffering their third defeat in a row, many felt the 43-word statement issued by the board was “disgraceful” and lacked the respect owed to a man who has helped the club rise from the obscurity of the Northern Premier League to where they are now. But turning aside from the departure of Coleman and his assistant, Jimmy Bell, what do the next Accrington Stanley manager odds say about his potential replacements.
With five key names in the mix, but two sitting slightly outside the pack – Gary Bowyer and Mark Bonner – BetVictor, at the time of writing, have three potentials to take over the role at the Wham Stadium. In third place is David Dunn at 8/1, meaning a £10 bet would pay out £90. He was previously the manager of Barrow and then a first team coach at Port Vale until last month, where he left the club when Andy Crosby was fired. In second place, at 6/1, meaning a £10 wager would return £70, is Derek Adams. The Scottish manager had a few successful spells with Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe before 2021, but has since struggled with results, most recently at Ross County, where he resigned after just 12 games at the helm. Top of the potential list is John Doolan at 2/1, where a £10 bet would pay £30 if successful. Currently a first team coach at Accrington Stanley and a former player there himself, his understanding of the team and connection with the players, might help ease the fans frustrations of John Coleman’s quick release.
With 15th place Bradford City and 17th place Swindon Town as their next two games, both of which are winnable and could see them move as high as the Top 10 if results go their way, Accrington will be eager to appoint the right replacement and quickly. While the chance at the playoffs looks unlikely this season, the club will be eager to avoid further defeats and set themselves up for a chance at the return to Football League One next season. In the meantime, while fans and punters alike are left to deliberate what might happen next, why not check out the Football League Two betting odds, ahead of Saturday’s game against Bradford, or read on to see what other great next manager betting odds are currently lighting up today.
