Next Luton Manager Odds: Is Jack Wilshere about to replace Matt Bloomfield?

After a difficult start to the season, pre-season title favourites Luton Town parted company with Matt Bloomfield, with the Hatters firmly ensconced in the middle of the League One table.

It came at a huge time of managerial movement across the UK, with Russell Martin shown the door at Rangers (who are reportedly eyeing Steven Gerrard as his successor), while Nottingham Forest flirt with the idea of sacking Ange Postecoglou after just four weeks in the job.

Luton had started their campaign following back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and the expectation was that they would be able to propel themselves straight back to the second-tier.

However, a 2-0 loss to local rivals Stevenage at the weekend - flying high in the third-tier - called time on the Bloomfield era. Luton have collected just 16 points from their 11 matches so far this season.

An eye-catching name is now close to the top of the odds list but he has mighty competition from another League One boss.

Next Luton Manager Betting Odds

Why was Matt Bloomfield sacked as Luton manager?

Mid-way through last season, Luton appointed Matt Bloomfield to replace Rob Edwards after Bloomfield had done an excellent job in charge of a Wycombe Wanderers side that had been setting the pace for eventual record breakers Birmingham City.

Some excellent performances in the spring had seen Luton seem to propel themselves clear of danger but a 5-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on the final day saw them succumb to the drop and the start to this season has been a continuation of some very average results during his tenure.

Who is the favourite to be the next Luton manager?

The bookmakers' favourite to become the new Luton manager was Jack Wilshere, the former Arsenal midfielder who spent time in the Luton academy before making his name with the Gunners.

The former Arsenal player was linked with the Plymouth Argyle job over the summer, which eventually went to his former England teammate, Tom Cleverley. Is he about to take the Luton hotseat?

However, it appears as though Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has now overtaken him in the hunt to get the job in Bedfordshire.

He has done brilliant jobs with Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, leading the latter to the playoff final last season, albeit it has been a tough start for the O’s this time around with so many of their key men having departed over the summer.

Outside of Wilshere and Wellens, a favourite from the outset remains a live contender. The former Swindon Town boss Luke Williams has been out of work since the spring since leaving Swansea City.

Williams earned an excellent reputation for himself at Notts County, playing a front foot and attacking style that would often leave them mightily exposed defensively before moving on to Swansea.

Intriguingly, his odds are only just shorter than Russell Martin, sacked by Rangers after just 17 matches in charge. Will he want to jump straight back in after his Ibrox experience? 

List of permanent Luton managers since National League promotion

League One winner odds