Steven Gerrard shocker as Newcastle odds hot up
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 02: Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard looks on during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on May 02, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Hot on the heels of the rumours suggesting Stevie is ready to call it a day after this season at Rangers are the stunning odds slash on the Newcastle job earmarking him as the early favourite following the Saudi takeover.
Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe are up there too, but it’s the Rangers boss setting the pace by some distance as odds-on.
Now, bettings odds are proof of nothing, but there are major mitigating circumstances and it’s why we look at them.
In this case, the last time Steven Gerrard was outright odds-on favourite, he was indeed installed inside two weeks as manager. Of Rangers, of course.
Secondly, odds are based on betting patterns, and clearly the previous time was bang on – does that mean folk know something others don’t?
People don’t tend to bet unless they have a reason to, and when large big money goes on one horse, there’s often a strong reason for that. We’ll see if betting gets suspended on this one.
Of course, this is all circumstantial – but it is telling that among dozens of candidates, Gerrard is the biggest name and the worst odds.
Is he about to join Newcastle?
The media claim he’s intrigued by developments there, which could be complete piffle or they could know something.
But then, aren’t we all intrigued?
Que sera.