Didier Deschamps has been the latest gamble on Betfair’s next Republic Of Ireland manager market, and the Frenchman is now the 15-8 favourite.

He was backed at 499-1 when the market first opened, and he has been a big mover today following rumours that he is pole position to get the job.

However, this market has already seen Terry Venables backed at 1-2, Liam Brady at 10-11, Kenny Dalglish at 11-10, Gerard Houllier at 5-4 and David O’Leary at 7-4 - to name but five candidates – so perhaps Deschamps backers shouldn’t get too over-excited.

Meanwhile, on the next Newcastle manager market, Mark Hughes remains the 3-1 favourite.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: “It is the calm after the Redknapp storm on the Newcastle market, but Didier Deschamps is the new focus of punters’ attention for the Republic Of Ireland job.

“But as he is the sixth favourite on the market, it could just be another false dawn. Time will tell.”

To be next ROI manager – Betfair bet: 15-8 Deschamps, 11-4 Venables, 6-1 O’Leary, 16-1+ others

To be next Newcastle manager – Betfair bet: 3-1 Hughes, 6-1 Shearer, 7-1 Keegan, 14-1 Houllier, 22-1 Jol, 23-1 Redknapp, Bruce, 37-1 Coppell.

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