Post by Taxigirl on Nov 13, 2003 9:22:36 GMT
The odds on David O'Leary making a dramatic return to Leeds United have been slashed in the wake of widespread media speculation.
The Aston Villa manager's name is the most unlikely of the current candidates for the Elland Road vacancy, given his acrimonious departure 17 months ago.
But bookmakers are bracing themselves for a shock appointment at Elland Road following reports of a rift between O'Leary and Villa chairman Doug Ellis.
William Hill cut O'Leary's odds to become next Leeds manager from 66-1 to 10-1, while Ladbrokes are offering as low as 4-1 on an O'Leary return.
The Villa manager is reported to have fallen out with Ellis just six months after taking over at Villa Park.
A series of disagreements over missed transfer targets and lack of funds is reported to have quickly driven a wedge between the pair.
And that could alert Leeds to try to tempt their former manager back.
The move remains seemingly implausible, mainly because of Leeds' perilous financial position.
Having only recently signed a three-year contract at Villa, O'Leary would cost Leeds a large compensation fee.
And that in itself would be a huge irony, as Leeds are currently paying O'Leary regular instalments on a £4m severance fee after sacking him last summer.
But William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe told BBC Sport that his company is taking no chances.
"He was 66-1 on Wednesday and we have cut him to 10-1, but it is something of a chicken and egg situation," Sharpe said.
He added: "We only took two bets - one of £10 and one of £2 - at 66-1 so our market move reflects the media speculation rather than the money going on O'Leary.
"But the last time we saw a major plunge on a manager at 66-1 was on Howard Wilkinson to become the next Sunderland manager and within a couple of days he was there.
"We are testing the water with O'Leary and if people carry on laying him then we will shorten the odds.
"But market moves like this are sometimes a reaction to people trying to promote their client or product.
"The publicity it generates does a career no harm and in O'Leary's case could alert people to his disagreement at Aston Villa."
Managerless Tottenham could be one of those to react to the news of O'Leary's fall-out with Ellis as they seek a replacement for Glenn Hoddle.
But at least one shrewd punter will be hoping O'Leary does complete a dramatic Elland Road return, having staked £4 at 1,000-1 that Leeds will re-sign their former manager.
Paul Hart remains the 5-4 favourite for the job, with Neil Warnock second favourite at 4-1.