Steven Gerrard emerges favorite for new job ahead of Rooney

As Southampton faces the prospect of relegation from the Premier League after an 11-year stay, odds suggest that Steven Gerrard is the frontrunner to become the club’s next manager, surpassing the likes of Wayne Rooney and current boss Ruben Selles.

Renowned for their consistent performances in recent years, Southampton’s grip on Premier League status is slipping away. Sitting at the bottom of the table with 24 points, they find themselves eight points adrift of safety with only three matches remaining.

To salvage any hopes of survival, Southampton would require Nottingham Forest to lose all three of their remaining fixtures and Everton to secure no more than one point.

Manager Ruben Selles, who is Southampton’s third boss of the season, recently spoke to BBC Sport, stating that the club will “present an agenda” outlining their plans to cope with relegation to the Championship.

However, according to the latest odds, Southampton may prioritize parting ways with the Spanish coach.

Ruben Selles, 39, joined the club as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s assistant last summer and assumed the managerial position following the Austrian’s dismissal in November. Selles’ tenure has seen Southampton amass a mere nine points in 13 matches, leading to odds of 9/1 for him to remain in charge on the first day of the next season.

The frontrunner for the managerial position at St Mary’s is none other than Steven Gerrard, the legendary Liverpool and England midfielder. Although revered as English footballing royalty, Gerrard’s managerial track record falls short in comparison.

Impressing in his debut professional managerial role at Scottish giants Rangers, Gerrard’s tenure at Aston Villa lasted less than a year before being dismissed. Villa’s poor start to the current season, with just two wins in their opening 12 matches, led to his departure. Since then, Gerrard has been without a managerial role.

Wayne Rooney, another former England star, ranks as the second favourite to replace Selles, with odds of 8/1. Currently managing DC United in the MLS, Rooney has had a mixed start to the 2023 season. However, his Championship experience stands out, having miraculously saved Derby County from relegation in the 2020/21 season.

Several former Premier League managers are also in contention for the Southampton job, including Jesse Marsch (10/1), Chris Wilder (12/1), and Frank Lampard (16/1).

As the final games of the Premier League season approach, Southampton faces a crucial period not only on the field but also in determining their next managerial appointment. The outcome will shape the club’s future and their efforts to bounce back from the imminent relegation threat.