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Wales missed out on Euro 2024 in the most gut-wrenching fashion imaginable, and the best betting sites have opened a market on who might succeed Rob Page.
A penalty shoot-out defeat by Poland at the Cardiff City Stadium means Wales will not be present in Germany this summer.
It is by no means certain that Page will be sacked as a result of that near-miss, but the former assistant to Ryan Giggs will be feeling the pressure.
Who could succeed Page if he does indeed part ways with the national team? Check out some of the contenders below.
Cooper and Benitez lead way in betting market
Steve Cooper has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest last year and he could be tempted by the opportunity to lead his country.
Cooper has experience of coaching at international level, having previously been in charge of the England Under-16s and Under-17s, with whom he won the World Cup in 2017.
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Yet having only had two club jobs since then, Cooper might feel it is too early for him to join a senior national team.
He would perhaps, prefer another role in the Premier League, but Cooper is the 21/10 favourite on football betting sites to replace Page.
Rafael Benitez is out of work and his family home is not far from Wales, in the northwest of England. It would be a major coup for the powers that be to be able to attract a manager of his calibre. Benitez is priced at 3/1.
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Could Hughes or Coleman make a return to the job?
Mark Hughes (7/2) and Chris Coleman (4/1) are both former Wales managers and both out of work.
Hughes had five years in charge and almost secured qualification for a 16-team Euro 2004, while Coleman memorably led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Hughes’ last job, curiously, was with League Two Bradford City. His stock has fallen over the last five years or so, but at one point he was a successful Premier League boss, and he has amassed huge experience in the dugout.
Coleman has managed in China and Greece in recent times, but he would no doubt consider the chance to manage Wales again. The question is whether the Football Association would see his re-appointment as a step backwards.
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Solskjaer And Edwards Could Emerge As Contenders
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still out of work and awaiting his next opportunity, following his departure from Manchester United in 2021.
He has experience of managing in Wales, but a brief stint with Cardiff City ended in their relegation from the Premier League. Solskjaer is available in this market at a best price of 5/1.
Rob Edwards is an interesting option at 13/2. The Luton Town manager is understandably preoccupied with his job at Kenilworth Road, as he attempts to secure Premier League survival.
If he succeeds in that mission, Edwards will almost certainly stay put. But the former Wales international could be tempted by an offer from his country if Luton were to be demoted.
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Jones’ And Pulis Among The Dark Horses For Role
Tony Pulis recently stated that he is not interested in a return to club management, but the proud Welshman would surely think about any offer to lead his country. However, Pulis’ style of play means he is an outsider at 8/1 on betting apps.
Matt Jones is listed at the marginally shorter price of 7/1. Currently at the helm of the Under-21s, he would be something of a continuity candidate.
Nathan Jones is an outsider at 9/1. The Welshman showed at Luton Town that he can be an excellent coach in the right environment, but he memorably struggled in his biggest job yet at Southampton.
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Giggs, Bellamy And Keane All Unlikely To Replace Page
Ryan Giggs stepped down as Wales manager after he was arrested on assault charges. The Crown Prosecution Service ultimately withdrew their charges, but it is still hard to see Giggs returning to the job – hence odds of 12/1.
Craig Bellamy is currently working with Vincent Kompany at Burnley. He can be backed at 10/1, but he is probably not ready to step up and manage a national team.
Roy Keane (14/1) has been involved in the Republic of Ireland setup in the past, but he has not managed a team since 2011. That will count against him.
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