Next Manager Markets: Celtic, Saints and WBA updates

Felix Magath's failure to save Fulham may put Southampton off

There has been movement in the Celtic, West Brom and Southampton markets, but only one appear to have found their man...

Next Celtic Manager

Ronny Deila has emerged from nowhere as the 1.152/13 market leader to replace Neil Lennon, and usually when a left-field candidate is backed with such conviction, there is strong substance behind the support.

The BBC have confirmed contact between the parties and Norwegian journalists have travelled to Glasgow in anticipation of a deal.

The 38-year-old is a nobody on these shores compared to most of the other contenders, yet has earned the right to be considered courtesy of his performance at Stromsgodset, guiding the team to their first Tippeligaen title in 43 years and a place in the 2014/15 Champions League qualifiers.

Back-or-Lay Verdict: Back Deila to be next Celtic manager @ 1.152/13

Next Southampton Manager

Ronald Koeman remains favourite, but has drifted from 1.51 to 2.021/1 at the same alarming pace that the likes of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw have shuffled towards the St Mary's exit.

The manager moving in the opposite direction is Fulham boss Felix Magath, who is the 5.95/1 second favourite. A fondness for integrating youngsters and reputation for encouraging high-energy football would mesh well with the current modus operandi at Southampton.

However, someone just relegated from the Premier League will be a tough sell to Saints fans requiring a positive from which to revive their faith following a demoralising few weeks in which their coach and centre forward left with an indication that there will be more departures to follow.

Back-or-Lay Verdict: Lay Magath to be next Southampton manager @ 6.05/1

Next West Brom Manager

It isn't a promising sign for West Brom fans that three-and-a-half weeks after Pepe Mel's exit, someone who has been available for a while has re-emerged as the favourite, with Tim Sherwood 6.611/2 to return to work at The Hawthorns shortly after being sacked by Tottenham.

Sherwood doesn't seem a good fit for the Baggies though. It was widely reported that the lack of patience shown to Steve Clarke last winter was influenced by his prior criticism of the club's transfer strategy, and Sherwood proved at Spurs that he is far more outspoken than the Scot.

It is telling that there still isn't a short-priced favourite. The process preceding Mel's appointment hinted that punters aren't too in tune with developments at West Brom, who were very impressive at preventing leaks on that occasion, so don't read too much into the money on Sherwood.

Back-or-Lay Verdict: Lay Sherwood to be next West Brom manager @ 6.86/1