Sack race value abounds as Cardiff’s Mackay shrugs off latest Tan rebuke

Malky Mackay has hardened as evens favourite in Coral’s next Premier League manager to go betting in the wake of a public rebuke Cardiff owner Vincent Tan over transfer policy.

In a statement to the media released via chief executive Simon Lin, Tan revealed he “was extremely upset to read quotes from the manager concerning the possibility of new recruits.”

Yet it could pay to swerve the Scot in favour of one of his more juicily-priced dugout comrades, with Sam Allardyce (5/1), Chris Hughton (7/1), Michael Laudrup (10/1) and Mauricio Pochettino (11/1) next in the betting.

Mackay has endured a strained relationship with the Bluebirds bankroller ever since the Malaysian businessman axed director of recruitment Iain Moody for a disputed transfer budget overspend back in October.

The Scot and Moody had a strong working relationship forged during their spell together at Watford.

Removing Moody – who insists he actually stayed £4m within budget this summer– was seen by some as an attempt to undermine the manager by the City hierarchy.

Given Mackay remained in place after that setback and has again reaffirmed his desire to stay at the club following this latest admonishment it seems he’ll have to be forcibly removed from the Cardiff City Stadium bench if he is to leave the club.

Furthermore, with Tan’s keen interest in parsimonious budgeting only recently advertised it would seem unlikely he would be pleased to send the Scot on his way with a healthy severance.

The former Celtic star told the Guardian “it’s a job only three-quarters done as far as I am concerned – making Cardiff a sustainable Premier League team.”

In terms of who bettors should invest in instead while the Cardiff gaffer continues to head the market by three points, Michael Laudrup must rate a fine alternative at 10/1.

The Dane is as short as 4/1 joint-second in the next permanent Tottenham manager betting.

Meanwhile Laudrup’s past rap sheet of short-term managerial stays offers plenty of encouragement that he may quit Swansea at the drop of a hat, even if the Spurs job turns out to be a pie in the sky.