Next Millwall manager: Ex-Lions defender the favourite, Premier League and Women’s Super League names linked

Millwall are searching for their next permanent head coach following the departure of Gary Rowett. The 49-year-old spent four years in charge at The Den but has now left the club by mutual consent, after admitting that ‘the time just feels right to part ways.’

The Lions have slipped to 15th in the Championship table, and while they are just three points adrift of the play-off bracket, they have failed to qualify since Rowett has been in charge. Millwall are now looking to start their new chapter and push on with their season, but who will take over at the hilt of the club?

A number of high profile names have been linked with the role and bookmakers have wasted no time in releasing their respective odds based on who is the favourite. Let’s take a look at the top 10 candidates in the mix for the Millwall manager job.

Kevin Muscat — 6/4

At the top of the list as clear favourite, Kevin Muscat has been linked to his first role in England. The former Millwall player is currently with Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo, who he has managed since 2021 and has guided to two trophies.

Michael Beale — 4/1

Michael Beale is looking for his next club after being sacked by Rangers at the start of the month. He spent just shy of a year in Glasgow after a short stint with Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

John Eustace — 5/1

John Eustace was also sacked earlier this month after Birmingham City stated it “became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the club.” The Championship role was just his second as a first team coach but he spent time with QPR and Ireland as assistant manager.

Nathan Jones — 10/1

Nathan Jones joined Southampton in November 2022 but was dismissed in February 2023 after just one win in eight league games. His stint marked the shortest tenure from a non-caretaker manager at the club.

Mark Kennedy — 14/1

After a short spell with Macclesfield Town, Mark Kennedy joined Lincoln City in May 2022 but was let go along with his assistant coach on October 18th.

Dean Smith — 16/1

Dean Smith’s last job was a late attempt to keep Leicester City in the Premier League, joining in April until the end of the season. Prior to his Foxes move, Smith managed Norwich City, Aston Villa, Brentford, and Walsall.

Emma Hayes — 16/1

Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes has been linked with a number of men’s clubs in recent years. Since joining the Women’s Super League club in 2012, she has won 15 trophies, including six league titles. Hayes was awarded an OBE last year for services to football.

Ryan Mason — 16/1

Having only ever managed on a caretaker basis, Ryan Mason is looking for his first full-time role. The former Spurs player returned to the club to step in on two occasions, following the departures of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Jim Goodwin — 20/1

Jim Goodwin’s managerial career is yet to leave Scotland, having managed Alloa Athletic, St Mirren and Aberdeen. He joined Dundee United in March this year and has since signed a new two-year deal.

Joey Barton — 20/1

Joey Barton is currently the manager of League One side Bristol Rovers, who he joined in 2021. He has experienced both relegation and promotion with the club and signed a new three-year deal in 2022.