Poyet leads pack in Newcastle betting

Ladbrokes play a joker in the betting on Newcastle’s next permanent manager by continuing to quote former manager Kevin Keegan at 4-1.

Keegan is apparently still attracting support to be reinstated at St James’ Park, although the outcome would be a remarkable conclusion to such a convoluted story.

Gus Poyet heads the market at 2-1, followed by Didier Deschamps, who shares a 4-1 quote with Keegan. Ladbrokes then bet: 6-1 David Moyes, 7-1 Alan Shearer, 9-1 Dennis Wise, 12-1 Harry Redknapp, Steve Bruce, Roberto Mancini, Marcelino, 14-1 others.

The same company’s market on the next permanent West Ham manager is looking rather more clear cut with Roberto Donadoni a strong 4-7 favourite.

Slaven Bilic, preparing Croatia to face England on Wednesday, is next best on 9-4, with Gianfranco Zola 5-1 and Roberto Mancini 8-1.