Adkins Still Remains Favourite

21 March 2013
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Nigel Adkins remains the strong favourite to become the next Reading manager. Adkins starts and ends the week as the most likely candidate despite big names coming and going as people continue to get linked to the job. Brighton manager Gus Poyet was this week's man of the moment, and was listed as favourite earlier today, but that story is fading quicker than it started as he is expected to remain at Brighton. It was reported that conversations took place between Reading and Poyet after Brighton gave talks the go-ahead. Reports even suggested that a two and a half million pound compensation deal had been requested by Brighton to enable Reading to land Poyet. Perhaps that was the sticking point, or perhaps Poyet is holding out for a better offer, as the deal seems to be off the agenda for now. Meanwhile former Southampton boss Adkins has been linked to Leeds United as Reading appear no closer to appointing Brian McDermott's replacement.

Adkins is the favourite with the bookmakers right now. However, given Reading's history, the availability of other managers and the lack of any appointment so far, perhaps the smart money should go on current caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan. Dolan had enough credibility to be given the caretaker role and then guided the side to an impressive first performance without McDermott at Manchester United. The 0-1 scoreline was the best we could hope for but the side showed plenty of promise despite facing certain relegation this season. If the permanent role isn't handed to Dolan, considering ideal candidates, has Brian McDermott been offered a job elsewhere yet? It sounds insane but bookmakers are already taking bets on McDermott at an generous 66/1 to be the next Reading manager.

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