Next Tranmere Manager Odds: Favourites and Bet Predictions

Next Tranmere Manager Odds: Tranmere Rovers Manager Betting Predictions and the Unexpected Rise of Andy Crosby

As the 2024/25 League Two season pushes on, Tranmere Rovers find themselves under the temporary stewardship of assistant manager Andy Crosby, a man who, just weeks ago, wasn’t even listed among the top contenders to take the reins at Prenton Park and avoid the relegation zone. Yet here he is—interim boss and potentially a longer-term solution after beating out a list of familiar Football League names previously favoured by bookmakers.

Crosby, a former Port Vale manager and long-time assistant across several EFL clubs, happened to be the next managerial appointment after leaving Port Vale to replace Nigel Adkins and become the next man in charge. Despite the swirling rumours around several high-profile candidates, the club surprised fans and pundits alike by handing Crosby the role on a temporary basis. Early results have been promising, and it’s now looking more and more likely that the interim tag could be dropped if he continues to stabilize the Rovers’ campaign.

Let’s take a look at who the bookmakers had tipped before Crosby’s surprise emergence—and how the odds stacked up in the ever-evolving race for the Tranmere job.

Andy Crosby – From Backroom to Front of the Queue as Next Tranmere Rovers Manager

Initially absent from most betting markets, Andy Crosby wasn’t considered a serious contender—until he was. His sudden appointment as interim manager coincided with an uptick in form and an improved atmosphere around the squad. Some late-stage punters jumped on odds of 25/1 before he was removed from the market entirely.

If results continue trending upward, expect odds for him to become permanent manager to shorten significantly—if not disappear altogether.

Neil Critchley – 3/1 Favourite Early On

At the top of the list to take over at Tranmere for several weeks was Neil Critchley, the former Blackpool and QPR boss. Known for his strong work with younger players and a calm, methodical approach, Critchley was the early favourite with odds hovering around 3/1 at most bookies. His experience in League One made him a logical choice for a club like Tranmere, aiming to rebuild and climb the EFL ladder.

However, a lukewarm interest from both sides saw momentum fizzle out, especially as Crosby began making a case for himself from within.

Danny Cowley – A Bookmaker Darling at 4/1

Danny Cowley, most recently at Portsmouth, consistently appeared near the top of betting charts. His odds floated around 4/1, and he was heavily tipped due to his proven track record at Lincoln City, where he led a meteoric rise up the pyramid. His combination of tactical flexibility and player development made him an appealing fit.

Despite speculation, Cowley never looked close to signing, and sources suggest discussions never progressed past an informal level.

Leam Richardson – The Outsider Gaining Steam (7/1)

Former Wigan manager Leam Richardson saw a surge in betting interest after a string of positive media mentions. Odds moved from 10/1 to 7/1 in the span of a few days, with punters expecting a potential interview.

Though highly respected for steering Wigan through financial turmoil and into Championship survival, Richardson remained quiet, and ultimately, Tranmere’s internal options gained traction.

David Artell – The Tactical Underdog at 10/1

David Artell, best known for his time at Crewe Alexandra, was viewed as a tactically astute underdog. His odds rarely improved beyond 10/1, but he had a loyal betting following due to his belief in possession-based football and developing academy talent—traits that aligned with Tranmere’s long-term ambitions.

Artell was reportedly open to the role but never became a serious frontrunner.

Kevin Nolan – The Fan-Favourite Wildcard (12/1)

The wildcard in the conversation was Kevin Nolan, the former Notts County and West Ham midfielder. Though lacking recent managerial experience, his name excited parts of the Rovers fanbase. Bookmakers placed him around 12/1, occasionally boosted by BetVictor and Ladbrokes.

Despite nostalgic appeal, Nolan was ultimately seen as too much of a gamble compared to safer hands like Crosby.

Final Thoughts

In a race filled with familiar names and seasoned tacticians, it was the quiet professional from within who may have had the strongest claim all along. Andy Crosby has gone from long-shot to leading man, and if performances continue to improve, the board may find themselves with a simple decision: stick with what’s already working.

For fans and punters alike, the Tranmere manager market has offered as many twists as any cup tie—proving once again that in football, the most predictable thing is unpredictability.