Bookies Slash Odds On Vialli Becoming Toon Boss!

Last updated : 09 July 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

... former Watford boss Luca Vialli could be set for a surprise return to English football as Newcastle United manager, if the bookmakers are to be believed.

Sky Bet have reported a flurry of bets on the Italian to take over at St James' Park and he is now 4/1 second favourite behind Alan Shearer (2/7) to be in charge of the Magpies before the start of the new season next month.

Sky Bet's Helen Jacob: "This morning, out of the blue, we had a dozen requests for Vialli for Newcastle manager. We didn't even have him in the betting so quoted 12/1, which was snapped up and he is now down to 4/1 second favourite behind Alan Shearer. We'll be keeping a close eye on this market today.

"Rumours abound that Vialli may be installed as director of football alongside Shearer as manager but punters have been quick to back Vialli for the main job.

"He's been out of the game for seven years so it would seem to be an odd appointment but you never know the way things are with Newcastle at the moment."