Gianfranco Zola has emerged as favourite for the vacant job at Fulham
Gianfranco Zola has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant manager’s position at Fulham, according to Sky Bet’s odds.
The former Chelsea striker, who has been out of work since leaving Watford in December 2013, has come in from 18/1 to 6/4 since Tuesday afternoon amid an increase in betting interest.
Club owner Shahid Khan has handed a five-man panel the task of identifying the best candidates for the role, and caretaker boss Kit Symons is also believed to be in a strong position.
The Fulham U21s boss steered the club to their first win in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday and he remains the bookmakers’ favourite at 5/4, though he faces fresh competition from former West Ham boss Zola.
Former Norwich manager Chris Hughton has also been linked with the role and is 6/1 to succeed Felix Magath, who was relieved of his duties last month following seven defeats in eight league games this term.
Other candidates include former Celtic managers Neil Lennon (10/1) and Tony Mowbray (14/1), while Alan Curbishley is 16/1 to return to the Cottagers.
Sky Bet’s Dale Tempest said: “Hughton has actually been the punters’ choice and there’s more bets riding on him than any other candidate, though Symons remains our favourite.
“But the money coming on Zola this week has taken us by surprise, so we’re keeping an eye on those developments.”