West Ham new manager: Ex-Aston Villa star now 2/1 to be Lopetegui replacement
Aston Villa fans could be intrigued by the new shortened odds for Gareth Southgate to become the next manager of West Ham United.
As of Wednesday evening [1 January], Paddy Power have priced former Villan and England manager Southgate – who recently worked with several Villa players with the national side – at just 2/1 to succeed Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui as his next management role.
Spaniard Lopetegui has endured a rough ride during his time as head coach this season in East London, with the Irons placed 13th in the Premier League.
So far in his managerial career, Southgate – who will be knighted in the New Year’s Honours List [England Football official website, 30 December] – has steered the Three Lions to two major finals and one semi-final, alongside a spell with Middlesbrough and a Toulon Tournament success in 2016 with England Under-21s.
Aston Villa hero Gareth Southgate to West Ham United?
Despite much of the criticism levelled at Southgate around England for his proclaimed failure to deliver in arguably favourable runs at major tournaments, the former defender has brought the nation more unified in its love for international football than throughout the 21st century so far.
Aston Villa fans will always hold a special place in their heart for Southgate, having witnessed him lift the League Cup in 1996 – qualifying the club for Europe – and reach the FA Cup final in 2000.
This was the same year he departed Villa Park on a possibly sour note, delivering a transfer request to “progress in his career” [BBC Sport, 8 June 2000], joining Middlesbrough and earning a further League Cup in 2004.
The market offered by Paddy Power with the 2/1 odds is for Southgate’s next club, which also lists Manchester United at 6/1; Everton at 15/2 and Crystal Palace at 10/1.
Whether Southgate can revive his club management career having suffered relegation last time out with Boro, it remains to be seen. But for now, Villa fans will wish him well from afar while focusing on the progress of their own club under Unai Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, an out-of-favour PSG star has caught the eye of the Villans’ recruitment staff.
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