Next Southampton Manager Odds: Russell Martin Favourite For Shock Return
Next Southampton manager odds are now available at betting sites following the departure of Will Still at St. Mary's.
Still was sacked after just five months in charge, following a poor run of two wins in 13 Championship games.
Saturday's 2-0 loss to Preston, which left the Saints 21st in the table, proved the final straw, and the search for a new manager is now underway.
We've taken a closer look at the four candidates currently heading the betting to become the next Southampton manager.
Next Southampton Manager Odds
We've highlighted four potential contenders for the Southampton job - including two familiar faces who've previously occupied the St. Mary's hot seat.
| Candidate | Next Southampton Manager Odds |
| Russell Martin | 6/4 |
| Michael Carrick | 5/1 |
| Brendan Rodgers | 8/1 |
| Ralph Hasenhuttl | 8/1 |
| Gary O'Neill | 10/1 |
Russell Martin
Russell Martin is currently the bookmakers' favourite to return to Southampton at odds of 6/4, having previously led the Saints to Premier League promotion via the 2023/24 Championship play-offs.
Known for his possession-based, play-out-from-the-back style, Martin earned early plaudits at St. Mary's but was sacked in December 2024, with the team at the bottom of the Premier League.
The club was later relegated. His tactical stubbornness was both admired and criticised, a trait seen in his previous Swansea stint, where he oversaw a nine-game unbeaten run.
After leaving Southampton, Martin endured a short-lived and troubled spell at Rangers, lasting just 123 days.
Now a free agent, he is reportedly open to a sensational return, with senior players said to support his reappointment.
While it would represent a significant U-turn for owners Sport Republic, Martin's familiarity with the squad and past Championship success make him a logical candidate.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is a strong contender for the Southampton job, currently priced at 5/1.
The former Manchester United midfielder impressed during nearly three years at Middlesbrough, guiding them to 8th and 10th-place Championship finishes and a Carabao Cup semi-final.
His teams played an attractive, possession-heavy style, with a focus on building from the back.
While initially successful, his reluctance to adapt tactically after opponents figured out his approach led to his dismissal in the summer of 2025.
Despite that, Carrick remains a respected and tactically astute manager with a growing reputation in the EFL.
He is currently out of work and reportedly waiting for the right project to return.
Southampton could appeal due to his Championship pedigree, although they may face competition, with Carrick's name also appearing in the next Wolves manager odds list.
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers offers a high-profile and experienced option for Southampton.
His CV includes an unbeaten domestic season and multiple trebles with Celtic, an FA Cup win with Leicester in 2021, and a near-title season with Liverpool in 2014.
Known for his attacking, possession-based football and aggressive pressing, Rodgers has also demonstrated tactical flexibility, adapting his approach to suit his squad.
Recently available after resigning from Celtic in October 2025, Rodgers has already attracted attention from Premier League clubs, notably Wolves.
His top-flight pedigree may make a move to the Championship less likely, which explains his longer odds despite his credentials.
For Southampton, Rodgers would bring proven leadership and elite-level experience, representing a statement appointment if they could persuade him.
While not the frontrunner, his availability makes him an ambitious option if the Saints aim for a swift return to the Premier League.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Ralph Hasenhuttl offers a potential return to familiar ground at Southampton.
The Austrian previously managed the club from 2018 to 2022, keeping them in the Premier League throughout his tenure and securing an 11th-place finish in the 2019-20 season.
Known for his high-intensity style, Hasenhuttl's teams thrived on quick transitions and relentless pressure, earning both memorable wins and occasional heavy defeats.
Despite the mixed results, he remained popular among Saints fans for his passion and ability to overachieve with limited resources.
Since leaving the club in late 2022, he has stayed out of management, though he was briefly linked with Everton in 2023.
Now, his name is back in the frame for Southampton, although it's unclear if either side is actively pursuing a reunion.
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