Jens Berthel Askou is now the favourite in the celtic next manager odds, with bookmakers pricing the Motherwell boss at 3/1 to take over at Parkhead. Martin O'Neill has strongly hinted that his interim spell will end in the summer, and he admitted Sunday's Glasgow derby was likely his last.
Askou tops William Hill market
William Hill moved Askou to the front of the betting for the job that will almost certainly open up in the summer. The new season kicks off on 1 August, and the same market has O'Neill at 7/1 to remain in post beyond this season.
Askou's rise comes with Motherwell drawing attention for their free-flowing football under the Danish manager. Lee Phelps said: "Hearts have of course been the major story of this thrilling William Hill Premiership campaign, but Motherwell have also created headlines with their free-flowing brand of football under manager Jens Berthel Askou."
O'Neill, Keane and Martinez
O'Neill still has a chance to lead Celtic to another William Hill Premiership title, but the betting market places Robbie Keane at 7/2 and Roberto Martinez at 9/2 ahead of him. Phelps added: "Martin O’Neill could still lead the Hoops to another William Hill Premiership title, but he is only 7/1 to remain in his post beyond this season, with Robbie Keane (7/2) and Roberto Martinez (9/2) both ahead of the legendary Celtic manager in the market."
That leaves Askou as the clearest market signal heading into the summer. Celtic's next move will be shaped by whether the club turns to a manager whose work at Motherwell has already pushed him to the top of the odds board, or whether one of the other names closes the gap before 1 August.
