Following a turbulent season and the sudden exit of Tony Mowbray due to health concerns in June 2024, the race is on to find the next Birmingham City manager. The situation at St Andrew’s is fluid, the speculation is rife, and fans are keeping a close eye on the latest Birmingham City manager betting odds.
Whether you’re looking to place a bet on the next Blues boss or simply want to stay informed on the potential appointment, this article offers the most up-to-date analysis on the manager odds, key contenders, and who might be best placed to replace Tony Mowbray.
Who Is Favourite In The Next Birmingham City Manager Odds Market?
The odds from major betting sites have seen some early movement, with former Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior emerging as the current favourite. Despite his recent dismissal at the MKM Stadium, his Championship credentials and calm presence on the touchline have clearly impressed the bookmakers.
Alex Neil is also a strong candidate, having been recently let go by Stoke City, and is now listed as the second favourite. Known for his promotions with both Norwich and Sunderland, Neil has experience that the Blues hierarchy could find invaluable in rebuilding a club recently relegated to League One.
Behind them, Chris Davies, former assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Spurs and Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, is attracting interest. A highly respected coach, Davies has been touted for multiple managerial jobs, and this could be the ideal place for him to make his debut as a head coach.
Could Liam Rosenior Be The Right Appointment?
The appeal of Liam Rosenior is clear. He’s young, progressive, and managed to guide Hull City to mid-table security in a tough Championship campaign. Although parting ways with Hull earlier this summer, many still regard him as one of the brightest up-and-coming managers in the EFL.
He’d likely be seen as a long-term replacement, offering the stability that Birmingham have lacked in recent years. His sides are known for playing positive football, and his man-management skills have received widespread praise.
If the club are ready to gamble on a youthful rebuild, Rosenior could be the man to get the Blues back to the Championship.
Is Alex Neil Ready For A Return To Management?
Alex Neil’s time at Sunderland and Stoke may not have ended as hoped, but his pedigree at this level remains solid. With multiple promotions under his belt, Neil has a proven track record of achieving success in the Championship.
His direct style and demanding approach could be exactly what this current Birmingham squad needs. A move to St Andrew’s might just suit both parties. Some fans have raised concerns about his recent form, but with manager odds shortening, the market suggests he’s in serious contention.
Should the club go down the route of experience over potential, Neil ticks a lot of boxes.
Will Chris Davies Finally Step Into The Hot Seat?
After years as a trusted assistant, Chris Davies is a name often discussed but never appointed — until now, perhaps. With strong tactical knowledge and Premier League experience behind him, the timing may be perfect.
If Birmingham want someone who can instil a structured, professional approach and long-term plan, Davies would be a smart pick. While a gamble due to his lack of senior management experience, his manager odds have been quietly shortening on several betting sites.
Appointing Davies would certainly raise eyebrows, but it might just be the high-upside bet the Blues need.
Could Gary Rowett Make A Shock Return?
A name that refuses to go away — Gary Rowett. The former Blues boss remains a firm fan favourite and is currently without a job following his departure from Millwall. His previous tenure at Birmingham ended in controversial fashion, but many supporters would welcome him back with open arms.
Rowett understands the club, knows how to grind results in the Championship, and offers the kind of gritty resilience that could be key in League One. The odds on Rowett returning are fluctuating, but he remains in the next manager conversation.
If sentiment plays a role in the club’s decision, Rowett is worth watching.
Is Darren Ferguson A Wildcard Option?
Another interesting outside shot is Darren Ferguson. The long-serving Peterborough United man has done well in League One, guiding Posh into the play-offs and is well versed in navigating the lower leagues.
If Birmingham are aiming for a cost-effective, safe pair of hands who knows how to get results at this level, Ferguson could be their man. While unlikely to be the headline grabber, his presence in the next Birmingham City manager odds shouldn’t be overlooked.
A bet on Ferguson would be a bold call, but he brings pedigree in a division the club now find themselves in.
Could Wayne Rooney Return To Management?
The Wayne Rooney experiment at Birmingham ended in disaster. After replacing John Eustace in a much-criticised move, Wayne Rooney managed just two wins in 15 games before being sacked in January. Despite that, his name has curiously reappeared on some betting sites, albeit at long odds.
It’s extremely unlikely the club would turn back to Rooney, but stranger things have happened in football. For now, he remains a peripheral figure in the next manager odds.
What About A Left-Field Appointment Like Steve Bruce?
Could Steve Bruce come full circle? The former Newcastle and West Brom manager has been out of work for a while, but he still has admirers at boardroom level across the league. He’s done the job before — both at St Andrew’s and elsewhere — and if the club wanted someone to bring immediate structure, Bruce could be a short-term solution.
He’s not among the favourites, but he’s known to throw his hat into the ring when the market is uncertain. If you’re considering an outside bet, don’t completely rule Bruce out.
How Much Does Relegation Affect The Club’s Managerial Pull?
The reality is that relegation to League One has shrunk Birmingham’s managerial pull. While St Andrew’s remains a historic ground and the club still attracts strong support, the financial landscape of third-tier football is stark.
That’s why some betting sites are leaning towards younger, hungry coaches or experienced League One operators rather than big names. The relegated Blues need more than just a manager — they need a full rebuild, which makes the next appointment arguably the most important in years.
The next Blues boss will inherit a fractured squad and the weight of expectation. Whoever takes the job must deliver promotion, and fast.
Who Else Is In The Running?
A few other names have appeared at longer odds:
- Chris Davies – as discussed, a strong tactical mind.
- Alex Neil – an early favourite but now slightly drifting.
- Gary Rowett – potential romantic return.
- Darren Ferguson – solid in League One, safe option.
- Wayne Rooney – former boss, unlikely, but included by betting sites.
- Steve Bruce – the experienced hand, not in favour but always a candidate.
You’ll also see shorter manager odds on some left-field names including U23 coaches, interim options, or even foreign managers with EFL ambitions. While these aren’t front-runners, keep tabs on the market — one good interview can change everything.
Conclusion
Birmingham City’s hunt for a new manager comes at a crossroads in the club’s history. Relegation has shaken the foundations, and this next appointment could define their path back to relevance. Liam Rosenior appears the front-runner, bringing youth and a fresh vision, while seasoned names like Alex Neil and Gary Rowett offer stability and experience. Chris Davies could be the bold choice that changes the narrative, while outsiders like Darren Ferguson and even Steve Bruce hover on the periphery.
This is a job that demands clarity, bravery, and leadership. Whoever steps into the dugout at St Andrew’s will face pressure from the off. The only certainty right now? Birmingham can’t afford to get this one wrong.
