Next Millwall Manager Odds: Kevin Muscat, John Eustace and Michael Beale linked
Millwall are searching for a new manager for the first time in four years after they parted ways with Gary Rowett.
Here at The Sack Race, we've taken a look at the early contenders in the next Millwall manager market...
Millwall and Gary Rowett went their separate ways on Wednesday 18th October, bringing an end to the four-year partnership.
The Lions finished 8th, 11th, 9th, and 8th under Rowett, agonisingly missing out on the play-offs by one point last season.
Now, four games shy of the 200-game milestone, the 49-year-old leaves the club 15th in the table, three points off the top-6 and seven points above the drop zone.
At the time of his exit, Rowett was the fifth longest-serving manager in the EFL behind Simon Weaver, John Coleman, Mark Robins, and Matt Gray.
In a statement on Millwall's official website, Rowett said:
“Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for all their support during my time at the club. The atmosphere they create is truly unique.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.
“I would like to thank John Berylson, James, Steve Kavanagh, Alex Aldridge, my backroom staff, and everyone behind-the-scenes for their hard work and support.
“Finally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the players, who I thank for the blood, sweat, and tears they have put into their efforts. It has been a successful and enjoyable four years.”
Millwall have stated that a "comprehensive recruitment process is already underway as the club looks to build upon the success Rowett has overseen".
In the meantime, Rowett's assistant Adam Barrett has been placed in caretaker charge of the first team, assisted by first team coach Paul Robinson.
Barrett, who opened up at 20/1 for the permanent job but is now 12/1, will come up against Ryan Lowe's Preston at Deepdale on Saturday.
Former Millwall captain Kevin Muscat has emerged as the early favorite with Bet Victor.
The Australian played for Millwall between 2003 and 2005, during which he skippered the club to their first ever FA Cup Final.
Just this month, Muscat went head-to-head with Philippe Clement for the Rangers job, only to miss out to the Belgian boss.
Muscat, who previously worked under Ange Postecoglou, is currently looking to win his second J-League title at Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, while he previously won four trophies with Melbourne Victory.
Similarly to Muscat, John Eustace (3/1) was linked with Rangers following the sacking of Michael Beale.
Earlier in October, Birmingham fans were left stunned when the club sacked Eustace, whose side were 6th in the Championship. In a bizarre statement, CEO Garry Cook said it "became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the Club".
Birmingham would go on to appoint Wayne Rooney, while it surely won't be long until Eustace is back on the touchline - at The Den perhaps?
Speaking of Rangers, the former Gers boss Michael Beale finds himself at 7/2 to return to the Championship where he previously managed QPR for six months.
Beale, who had played a pivotal role in Rangers' title win as a coach under Steven Gerrard, did not enjoy the best of returns; lasting less than a year in the Ibrox hot seat.
Mark Kennedy was initially priced at 6/1 after leaving his post at Lincoln City, all of two hours before Rowett departed Millwall on Wednesday night, however his odds have since climbed to 12/1.
Like Muscat, Kennedy previously played for Millwall, with whom he began his professional career as a 16-year-old in 1993, and famously scored the winner against Arsenal at Highbury in the 1994/95 FA Cup third round.
In his one and only full season in charge of Lincoln, Kennedy took the Imps to a top-half League One finish, but left the club in 16th, albeit closer in points to the play-off places than the relegation zone.
Former Shrewsbury manager Steve Cotterill can be backed at 10/1, followed by ex-Saint Nathan Jones who has experienced mixed spells in the Championship with Luton (good) and Stoke (bad).
The manager who Rowett replaced in 2019, Neil Harris, is 16/1 to return to the club after recently leaving Gillingham. Harris led Millwall to promotion to the Championship and two FA Cup quarter-finals during his four-year tenure.
There are a whole host of managers listed at 25/1 outsiders, including Frank Lampard, Chris Wilder, Dean Smith, Ryan Mason, Neil Warnock, and Joey Barton.
The full next Millwall manager odds can be browsed below.
