A new name has appeared on the bookmakers’ list for the vacant managerial job at Championship club Hull City, in what is a surprise twist.
Former West Ham defender and manager, Slaven Bilic, has come from nowhere to top the list at 4/5, which suggests a surge of money being placed on the Croatian, though it remains unclear as to why.
Bilic’s arrival mirrors what has happened regularly in recent days, but it’s understood the ex-West Brom chief has not been spoken to and is not on the shortlist of potential candidates under consideration by City.
Former Liverpool winger Albert Riera remains the second favourite at 8/1, along with ex-Nottingham Forest promotion-winning boss Steve Cooper.
Riera is another who is not under consideration and has not been interviewed by City, but is thought to be a friend of owner Acun Ilicali and the pair have spoken recently. Cooper’s arrival in the betting is merely a coincidence, and though the Tigers would be keen to speak to him about the vacant position, it’s deemed unrealistic.
Cooper was spoken to twice last summer following the departure of Liam Rosenior from the MKM Stadium, but the Welshman made clear his desire to wait for another Premier League job. That came down the A46 at Forest’s East Midlands neighbours Leicester City, but he left before Christmas.
Two men who have been interviewed are Michael Beale and Emre Belozoglu, and the pair sit at 16/1. Both are believed to have been impressive in their respective interviews over the past week, but neither is expected to be appointed as Ruben Selles’ successor.
Speaking exclusively to Hull Live in London earlier this week, owner Acun Ilicali teased a surprise appointment with a name that has not been mentioned either in the media or on any betting lists.
“Yes (there are other potential candidates), because you only hear about two of our candidates. At the moment, we have five and one of them looks day by day more suitable for our club, but none of you know the name.”