As modern football fans know, the managerial business is an unforgiving business.
Result are almost everything in the game and those who underperform don't tend to stick around for long.
One name that has heavily been speculated with inevitable dismissal has been Nathan Jones. The Welshman has overseen just 4 victories since taking charge at Stoke last January, with 11 of his opening 27 games ending in defeat.
The new start to the season has not been kind to the ex-Luton boss either, with the Potters sitting rock bottom of the Championship. After achieving just 1 point from their first 4 games, the end does appear near for Jones.
Inevitably, Paddy Power have opened up a market for the next permanent Stoke manager.
Chris Hughton the outright favourite
The current outright favourite to get the job is Chris Hughton. At EVENS with Paddy Power, the Englishman is well favoured to take charge of the Potters, having been out of a job since the end of last season.
Hughton's dismissal from Brighton came as a surprise to many, specifically with the Seagulls serving relegation. Their end of season form was admittedly poor, but avoiding the drop with that particular squad has to be considered a massive achievement.
Finding a job won't necessarily be a tough ask for ex-Tottenham player though, as he holds strong managerial experience in the second division. After successful spells with Newcastle, Norwich and Brighton, Hughton is a name that is often linked with many Championship clubs.
Stoke have now emerged as the latest side to be rumoured with a move for the Englishman and his price at EVENS suggests a move could happen soon.
Other names in the hat
Aside from Hughton, not many other names have been given much of a chance with Paddy Power. Tony Pulis is the next in line of contenders at 17/2, with Sam Allardyce coming in at 20/1. Both managers certainly boast credentials in helping stabilising clubs, something that Stoke are certainly after.
Pulis left Middlesbrough last summer, whilst Allardyce has had a year out since leaving Everton in May 2018. The proposition of either appointment do hold potential, but both men have been given a relatively high chance in landing the Potters' role.
Following the prominent trend of managers who have recently lost their jobs, Martin O'Neil has also been given a 20/1 shot at landing the job. The Irishman was sacked from Nottingham Forest last May after just five months in charge, despite registering a 42.1% win ratio in that time.
David Moyes has also been priced at 20/1, but the Scott has failed to maintain a long term job since his infamous Manchester United dismissal. The former West Ham boss has limited experience in the Championship, with the move not exactly looking an ideal matchup on paper.
Going larger than 20/1 with Paddy Power brings names like Nigel Adkins and Alan Pardew into the conversation. Both men have been handed a price of 25/1 and are clearly considered outsiders to take the managerial position at Stoke.
Next Stoke manager odds
(all odds via Paddy Power)
- Chris Hughton = EVENS
- Tony Pulis = 17/2
- David Moyes = 20/1
- Sam Allardyce = 20/1
- Martin O'Neil = 20/1
- Nigel Adkins = 25/1
- Alan Pardew = 25/1
