It’s not often that you see a team in touching distance of playoff promotion release their manager, but over at the Oakwell Stadium, that’s exactly what Barnsley FC have just done with Neill Collins. Former manager of the Tampa Bay Rowdies before being appointed at the start of the current season for the Tykes, Collins had been having a fairly successful spell, but with 4 losses and 2 draws since the start of April, it seems the club are not willing to bet on a return to form so late in the day. With that in mind, just what do the latest next Barnsley manager odds have to say on who might replace Neill in his role and how quickly can they get someone in to take the helm?
Taking a glance at the BetVictor odds, at the time of writing, there are a few names like Martin Devaney and Michael Duff at over 10/1, but three main names stick out as potential candidates to come in and fill the void left by Collins. In joint second place is Dominik Thalhammer at 6/1*, meaning a £10 bet would payout £70. Dominik managed the Austrian women’s team for 9 years between 2011 and 2020, alongside various clubs in the men’s leagues, but has never worked outside of Austria and Belgium, so could be a risky choice. Also in second place, and equally at 6/1* odds, is Mike Williamson, the former Gateshead and current Milton Keynes Dons manager. While Williamson has seen some erratic results at MK Dons from 5-0 losses to 5-0 wins, the club sit 4th at present and will likely try convince him to see out the season and potential promotion.
Top of the potentials and a clear favourite at odds of 1/3*, where a £10 wager would return just £13.33, is Richie Wellens. The acting manager at Leyton Orient who are in the same league after securing promotion last year from League Two, Wellens has just completed two years at the Dons and could be tempted to jump ship for a chance at playing in the Championship in the near future. While the Barnsley next manager odds certainly have him as sure favourite – there are conflicting media reports as to whether they do intend to make an offer for him at present.
With Barnsley in the playoffs and their two-leg game looming closer on the 3rd May and 7th May respectively, they will have to rely on Martin Devaney’s interim role to hold the fort until they appoint someone, although a solid result should he still be acting in charge, may see his own odds slashed from the current 16/1* to a much more favourable number. Whatever happens, it seems that for now Barnsley FC appear likely to make a play for Richie Wellens, and that all that remains is for us to wait and see what plays out in front of us, or keep an eye on the next manager betting odds to see what movement unfolds. In the meantime, if you fancy a flutter on some League One Betting ahead of the playoffs this week, check out our extensive selection available today at BetVictor.
