Bookmakers reckon interim Southampton manager Simon Rusk has just a 20/1 chance (4.8%) of keeping the job, but we think that market’s undervalued by three or four times.
Team coach Simon Rusk has been brought in to replace the recently sacked Ivan Jurić as interim manager and it’s pretty clear the bookmakers don’t fancy his chances of staying on long-term.
Bet365 are offering just 20/1 odds which means a tenner bet could net you a tidy £200, definitely a value bet if you ask us.
Rusk’s got the job, at least for now, following a historically disastrous season for Southampton, who became the first team ever to be relegated with seven games left to play after their 3-1 loss to Tottenham.
Why Would Southampton Stick With Rusk?
First off, Simon Rusk is a deeply trusted and respected member of the Southampton coaching staff.
He worked his way up from head coach of Southampton’s U21s and was promoted to interim manager for the first time back in December 2024.
But back then, with Ivan Jurić already lined up, there was no question this job would be temporary.
This time, things are very different.
Not only is there no one confirmed, but in our opinion, the bookies have jumped the gun with their favourite.
| Southampton – To be Manager on 08/08/2025 | Odds |
|---|---|
| Danny Rohl | 1/4 |
| Liam Rosenior | 8/1 |
| Daniel Farke | 14/1 |
| Kasper Hjulmand | 18/1 |
| Steve Cooper | 18/1 |
| David Wagner | 20/1 |
| Gary O'Neil | 20/1 |
| Simon Rusk | 20/1 |
| Steven Gerrard | 20/1 |
| Frank Lampard | 25/1 |
The shortest odds by far (3/7) are for Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl, who was the top pick to replace Russell Martin back in December and is reportedly disillusioned with his place at Hillsborough following an unpaid wages scandal.
But with little more than hearsay to go on, much like the talk that Jurgen Klopp is pushing Rohl to get the job at RB Leipzig, we believe the 70% implied probability here is as inflated as a bouncy castle.
If the Rohl rumours fall through, and we think they will, a good showing from Rusk here could absolutely see him keep the top job.
It’s far from unheard of.
Look at Roberto Di Matteo for Chelsea and Ricky Sbragia for Sunderland as just a few past examples.
We wouldn’t say Rusk is overwhelmingly likely to become full-time manager, but we’d put his chances at around 20 to 25%.
That’s still well above what the odds suggest, which means the potential returns, given the level of risk, is genuinely impressive.
Bet365’s Welcome Offer is the Perfect Partner for This Outright
Considering the long odds on this one, you’ve got your pick of the best free bets and welcome offers in the UK.
Even so, we think bet365’s “Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets” offer stands out as something special.
All you need to do is make a qualifying deposit of £5 or £10 to activate three times that amount in bet credits.
Then place a qualifying bet equal to your deposit to unlock them on your bet slip.
Minimum odds are just 1/5, so this market is no issue at all.
So, if you make your first bet of £10 on Rusk to be Southampton Manager, you’ll receive 300% of your stake back in free bets with no wagering requirements no matter if you win or lose.
If you’re keen on this punt and don’t yet have a bet365 account, this is an excellent offer that gives you more chances to win without any nonsense.
