Steve Bruce is the early favourite to take vacant Aston Villa post

Steve Bruce is the early favourite to become the next manager of Aston Villa with the former Birmingham City boss just an even-money shot to fill the now vacant position having opened up at 2/1. 

After Roberto Di Matteo was given his marching orders following a dismal start to life in the Championship the bookies rate Bruce as the front runner to replace him, or it’s a 5/1 chance apiece that Steve Clarke or Dean Smith take the helm at Villa Park.

Bristol City gaffer Lee Johnson is already proving to be a popular bet with punters at 9/1, or there’s 12/1 on offer Ryan Giggs dips his toes into management with the Midlands club.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “It was always a case of when and not if Di Matteo was going to be axed, and all fingers point towards Bruce turning Villa’s season around.”

Ladbrokes latest betting:

Next permanent manager of Aston Villa

Steve Bruce – Evens

Steve Clarke – 5/1

Dean Smith – 5/1

Steve McClaren – 9/1

Lee Johnson – 9/1

Sam Allardyce – 10/1

David Wagner – 10/1

Ryan Giggs – 12/1

Bob Bradley – 14/1

Ralph Rangnick – 14/1

Mick McCarthy – 16/1

Mark Warburton – 20/1

Nigel Pearson – 20/1

Garry Monk – 20/1

Gary Rowett – 20/1

Chris Coleman – 20/1

Neil Warnock – 20/1

Gareth Southgate – 20/1

Harry Redknapp – 20/1

Simon Grayson – 20/1

25/1 bar

Others on request

Click here for the lastest Next Permanent Aston Villa manager odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing