In the ever-turbulent world of football, the sack race remains one of the sport’s most brutal subplots. As pressure mounts on underperforming bosses, betting markets light up with speculation over the next manager to be sacked. From Premier League giants in disarray to struggling newcomers scrapping for survival, this is where reputation meets results—and failure costs jobs.
This article is your definitive guide to the latest sack race odds, identifying which coaches are skating on thin ice and who bookmakers believe could be next to be sacked. Whether you’re a fan of strategic punts or just obsessed with football’s managerial merry-go-round, this is a story worth following closely in 2025.
Who Is Favourite In The Sack Race Right Now?
As of June 2025, the Premier League managerial hot seats are already heating up, despite the season being just weeks away from pre-season kick-off. The bookies’ current favourite in the sack race is David Moyes, whose turbulent second spell at West Ham has taken another nosedive. With the club finishing 15th last season and fan frustration boiling over, Moyes has been handed min odds of 3/1 to be the next manager to be sacked.
Also in the danger zone is Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espírito Santo, at 4/1. After narrowly avoiding relegation last term, a slow start in August could see Forest act quickly. The club have shown little hesitation when pulling the trigger in the past, with Steve Cooper, Chris Hughton, and Sabri Lamouchi all shown the door in quick succession over recent years.
Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag remains under close scrutiny at Manchester United despite clinging onto his job after a chaotic 2024/25 campaign. While his odds have lengthened after surviving the post-season review, he’s still priced at 8/1 in some next manager betting markets.
How Often Do Premier League Managers Get Sacked?
The Premier League is notorious for its managerial turnover. Since its inception in 1992, an average of 9–10 football managers lose their job every season. The 2024/25 campaign saw a staggering 12 managerial sackings, highlighting the cutthroat nature of modern football.
Increased television money and rising expectations have made chairmen and owners less patient than ever. Clubs outside the top six often panic at the first sign of trouble, fearing relegation’s financial hit. Meanwhile, elite clubs show little tolerance for underachievement, especially with European qualification on the line.
Whether it’s tactical rigidity, dressing room unrest, or boardroom politics, the reasons for a sack are many—but results remain the ultimate judge.
Who Could Be Next To Be Sacked After Moyes?
Beyond the favourites, several other names are starting to pop up in next manager markets. Marco Silva at Fulham finds himself under the microscope after the Cottagers failed to kick on last season. Priced at around 10/1 in some betting odds, his pragmatic style has worn thin with sections of the fanbase.
Rob Edwards at Luton Town, although performing heroically on a shoestring budget, still features at 12/1 given the club’s uphill battle to survive in the Premier League. Bookies often reflect fixture difficulty early in the season when shaping sack race lines, and Luton’s August schedule is a nightmare on paper.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank at Brentford and Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth are longer shots but still considered outsiders in the next manager betting odds due to whispers of stalled progression and expectations outgrowing budgets.
Which Clubs Are Most Likely To Pull The Trigger?
Historically, clubs like Watford, Chelsea, and Leeds United have had little hesitation in parting ways with managers mid-season. Watford, in particular, have become infamous for short-lived managerial reigns, having made 16 managerial changes in the last decade.
However, in the current Premier League field, all eyes are on West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and potentially Everton, who’ve all made at least two managerial changes since 2022. Ownership instability and dwindling form usually combine to create a perfect storm for a sack.
Clubs with financial concerns also tend to panic early. Relegation could cost tens of millions in broadcast revenue, ticket sales, and sponsorships, making the next manager to be sacked market especially volatile during the opening 10 games of the season.
Are Bookies Ever Wrong About Sack Race Odds?
Absolutely—but not often. While the sack race may appear unpredictable, betting odds are often shaped by insider whispers, press leaks, and historical trends. When a manager is priced at min odds below 4/1, there’s usually substance to the speculation.
However, there are curveballs. In 2023, Gary O’Neil was sacked by Bournemouth despite avoiding relegation. Likewise, Graham Potter was shown the door at Chelsea despite a long-term project being publicly promised. These shocks cause major moves in the next manager betting landscape, as public sentiment clashes with boardroom reality.
That said, most football fans with a keen eye for form, fixture difficulty, and press body language can often beat the markets—if they act quickly enough.
What’s The Best Time To Bet On The Next Manager To Be Sacked?
Timing is everything. The best value in sack race betting often appears just before pre-season or directly after a heavy defeat. Bookmakers adjust odds rapidly based on public pressure and media noise.
Placing a punt during the international break is another sharp move. Boards often use these windows to make changes, giving new managers time to settle before the next fixture run. These moments are perfect for spotting min odds movements and capitalising on inflated next manager prices.
Waiting too long could mean your chosen boss has already been relieved of duty—or that the odds have crashed, offering poor value on the market.
Can You Bet On Managers In Other Leagues?
Yes, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. While the Premier League dominates the headlines, next manager betting in the Championship, Serie A, La Liga, and even the MLS is gaining traction. Markets exist for the next manager to be sacked in most top-flight leagues, especially where club instability is common.
For example, Championship bosses like Michael Carrick or Wayne Rooney often appear in early-season specials, particularly if their clubs are pushing for promotion but failing to hit the mark. The odds on a wide range of global coaches mean there’s always value if you know where to look.
Still, the English top flight remains the most heavily bet-on when it comes to the sack race, largely due to its media coverage and financial stakes.
Who Are The Longest-Serving Managers In The Premier League?
Stability is rare in the sport today, but a few gaffers continue to defy the odds. Pep Guardiola remains at Manchester City and has been in charge since 2016—by far the longest tenure in the league. Next in line is Jürgen Klopp, whose Liverpool spell since 2015 saw a Champions League and Premier League title, although his current contract ends in 2026.
Thomas Frank at Brentford and Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton are also now classed as “long-term” by Premier League standards, with each passing the 24-month mark. The contrast between these coaches and the revolving door seen at the likes of Watford or Chelsea highlights how unusual managerial longevity has become in elite football.
How Does The Sack Race Impact Club Performance?
There’s debate over whether changing a manager improves results. In some cases—like Sean Dyche’s arrival at Everton—it sparks a short-term bounce. But in others, it leads to deeper disruption and squad unrest.
Clubs that sack managers too frequently often lack a long-term vision, resulting in squad mismatches and transfer policy confusion. Yet, when done correctly, the right change can revitalise a team. Examples include Unai Emery at Aston Villa and Ange Postecoglou at Spurs, both of whom took over from underperforming coaches and implemented a clear identity.
Ultimately, betting on the next manager to be sacked is about identifying the clubs where expectations and reality are misaligned.
Is Sack Race Betting Worth It?
For seasoned punters, yes—if approached with discipline. Like any other market, sack race bets require research, timing, and awareness of both public and insider sentiment. Following post-match press conferences, injury lists, and boardroom rumblings is essential.
If you’re simply guessing, the odds might seem appealing, but the volatility means surprises can wipe you out. Smart bettors look for min odds on shorter-term markets, consider the fixture list, and gauge fan unrest as early indicators.
And always remember: football changes fast. Yesterday’s hero can be tomorrow’s headline in the sack race.
So, What’s Our Final Verdict?
In 2025, the sack race remains one of the most volatile, fascinating subplots in modern football. With clubs throwing millions at results and no time for sentiment, managers operate in a pressure cooker—where one poor run can lead to the axe.
From Moyes at West Ham to Nuno at Forest, this season’s list of potential casualties is already forming. For fans, pundits, and punters alike, it’s a game of nerves, numbers, and nuance. The odds are always moving, but the rules remain the same: win, or walk.
Keep an eye on the form tables, watch those press conferences, and if you’re going to bet on the next manager, do so with both your head and your gut. The sack is always lurking—just one result away.
