With Craig Levein’s exit, the spotlight is now firmly on who will take over the Saints next. Sitting tenth and flirting dangerously with the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, St Johnstone find themselves at a crossroads.
The next St Johnstone manager odds are buzzing, and the bookies have spoken loud and clear about the frontrunners. Whether you’re a fan, a punter, or just love a good managerial saga, this is the definitive guide to the favourites and what’s at stake for the club going forward.
Latest St Johnstone Manager Betting Odds: Who Will Be The Next To Take Over The Saints?
With St Johnstone’s relegation to the Championship confirmed, the club is now focusing on rebuilding for the upcoming season. Manager Simo Valakari has been confirmed to remain at the helm, with plans to overhaul the squad and mount a strong promotion challenge next term.
However, speculation about potential managerial changes continues. The latest odds from various bookmakers indicate the following favourites:
- Neil Lennon – 7/4
- Scot Gemmill – 5/2
- Kris Doolan – 3/1
- David Martindale – 4/1
- Fredrik Holmberg – 9/2
- Steven Naismith – 6/1
- Scott Brown – 13/2
- John McGlynn – 7/1
- Stephen Bradley – 8/1
- Damien Duff – 10/1
- Craig Harrison – 14/1
These odds reflect the ongoing speculation and interest in potential managerial candidates. It’s important to note that Simo Valakari has been confirmed to continue as manager for the next season, and any changes would be subject to future developments.
Who Is The Favourite In The Next St Johnstone Manager Odds?
Alex Neil stands out as the clear front-runner in the next St Johnstone manager betting odds. His pedigree speaks volumes – managing at Championship and Premiership level, with a knack for steadying clubs in tricky situations. Saints need someone who can not only stabilise the ship but also inspire a side currently struggling to find form. According to gambling.com and various betting sites, Neil’s odds are the shortest for a reason – he’s the man to replace Craig Levein and steer the club away from relegation worries.
What Do The Johnstone Manager Odds Reveal About Bookie Sentiment?
The johnstone manager odds reflect a market hungry for experience and proven success. Bookmakers have installed Neil as the favourite for the St Johnstone job, with prices heavily favouring him over the rest of the pack. Meanwhile, other names like Scot Gemmill and David Martindale hover at longer odds, signalling the bookies’ cautious stance on unproven or riskier appointments. The pressure is on to deliver quickly at McDiarmid Park, and the odds suggest a no-nonsense approach to the new appointment.
How Strong Are The Chances For A Scot Like Scot Gemmill Or John McGlynn?
Scot Gemmill, currently Scotland Under-21 head coach, is often mentioned as a candidate with potential. His experience at the national youth level indicates he could be a solid long-term project, particularly in nurturing young talent. However, the jump to managing a Premiership side fighting relegation is significant, and punters remain wary.
John McGlynn, with his roots in Falkirk and knowledge of Scottish football’s lower tiers, could bring the kind of pragmatic, grounded approach St Johnstone desperately need. Familiar with the pressures of managing at venues like McDiarmid Park, McGlynn represents an intriguing option, though he remains a longer shot in the betting markets.
Could A High-Profile Figure Like Alex Neil Take The Saints Job?
It’s no surprise that boss Alex Neil tops the list. His experience managing teams in the Scottish Premiership and the English Championship provides exactly the kind of know-how Saints require. In a club where funding is essential, Neil’s track record in managing tight budgets and squeezing maximum performance out of limited resources works in his favour. His ability to compete in cup competitions like the League Cup only adds to his appeal as a manager capable of lifting spirits and results alike.
Are There Any Dark Horses From Lower Leagues Or League One?
Talk of dark horses always adds spice. Managers from clubs like Falkirk, Ayr United or Kilmarnock occasionally get a mention, with the allure of managing in the Premiership a huge draw. Yet the next St Johnstone manager betting odds suggest punters aren’t backing these outsiders to make an instant impact. Saints need results now, and history shows those stepping up from lower leagues tend to need time—a luxury the club may not have.
Will The Replacement For Craig Levein Be A Former Hearts Or Hibs Figure?
Given Levein’s strong Edinburgh connections, former Hearts and Hibs managers or coaches often enter the rumour mill. David Martindale, the former Hearts man currently managing Livingston, is one such figure. His reputation for punching above his weight makes him an appealing candidate, even if he isn’t the outright favourite in the markets. The presence of such candidates reflects the club’s willingness to consider managers with Scottish Premiership experience who understand the pressures of local rivalries and the league’s grind.
What Are The Financials—Can They Fund Our Team Of Talented Players?
One of the biggest challenges facing the next boss will be working within a tight budget. St Johnstone may be based in Perthshire, but they’re no heavyweight financially. The new manager must be adept at funding our team of talented players without breaking the bank. Neil’s Championship connections and experience with financially constrained squads could prove vital. Others will need to be similarly savvy to keep Saints competitive in a league dominated by giants like Rangers and Celtic.
How Big Is The Sack Risk If The New Manager Stumbles?
Pressure is a four-letter word at a club fighting to avoid the drop. Saints’ new boss will face an immediate test, and the risk of the sack is very real if early results don’t improve. Expect little patience—five games without progress could see the boot coming down hard. With a club so close to the bottom of the league, the honeymoon period will be short and the spotlight unforgiving.
What Does Life At McDiarmid Park Look Like In 2025?
McDiarmid Park isn’t the easiest place to get points, especially when you’re facing the likes of Celtic, Rangers, and Ross County. The atmosphere can be tense, but there is a solid fanbase ready to back a manager who shows ambition. A good cup run in the Premier Sports Cup could buy the new manager time and goodwill, but the bread and butter will always be Scottish Premiership survival. The next manager must balance these pressures, making every game count.
How Does History Shape St Johnstone’s Next Choice?
Saints have a history of appointing managers who bring stability and pragmatism. The pendulum has swung between seasoned pros and ambitious projects, but the current climate demands experience. The betting markets have picked up on this trend, favouring candidates like Neil and Gemmill who combine knowledge of Scottish football with managerial nous. This isn’t the time for experiments; it’s about steadying the ship and avoiding the drop.
Conclusion
St Johnstone’s managerial situation is one packed with urgency and opportunity. The next St Johnstone manager odds clearly favour experience, with Alex Neil leading the pack thanks to his proven ability to manage under pressure and work with limited resources. Yet, there are compelling stories lurking in the shadows—Scot Gemmill’s youth development background and John McGlynn’s gritty lower-league know-how offer alternative pathways, while David Martindale adds an intriguing option from the Premiership ranks.
The new manager’s first task is clear: avoid the dreaded sack and steady a club perilously close to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. At McDiarmid Park, every point matters, and the pressure cooker environment means the margin for error is razor-thin. Financially, the manager must be adept at maximising limited resources, with funding remaining a key concern for the club.
As Saints supporters hold their breath, the market’s favourites reflect a cautious hope that steady hands can turn the tide. Whether it’s Neil, Gemmill, Martindale or another candidate, the new boss will need to combine tactical nous with savvy recruitment to keep St Johnstone’s Premiership status intact.
Keep your eyes peeled as the saga unfolds – the stakes couldn’t be higher for St Johnstone, and the next manager will soon be under the spotlight at McDiarmid Park.
