Martin O’Neill front runner to take over at Stoke

Giggs and Karanka also in the frame

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill is the early favourite to replace Mark Hughes as Stoke City manager.

O’Neill is now 6/4 (was 5/1) to take over at Stoke after a flurry of bets. He has plenty of Premier League experience, having been in charge of Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland previously.

Ryan Giggs is some way behind at 5/1 in second-place. Aitor Karanka, Slaven Bilic and Gary Rowett are joint-third out at 10/1.

Hughes was sacked on Saturday’s following his side’s FA Cup defeat to League Two side Coventry City. The Potters are also in the relegation zone with the worst defensive record in the Premier League this term (47 goals conceded).

Coral’s John Hill said: “Over 70% of all bets we have taken so far in the next Stoke manager market have been for Martin O’Neill as punters believe the Potters will turn to the Ireland manager to help them recover this season.”

Next Stoke Manager

6/4 Martin O’Neill, 5/-1 Ryan Giggs, 10/1 Aitor Karanka, Slaven Bilic, Gary Rowett, 14/1 Ronald Koeman, 16/1 Bar

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – we’ve got it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing