Plymouth Argyle Next Manager Odds: Who Next for the Home Park Hot-seat?

Plymouth Argyle Next Manager Odds: Who Next for the Home Park Hot-seat?

With Miron Muslic packing his bags for Schalke quicker than you can say “relegation release clause,” Plymouth Argyle once again find themselves fishing in the managerial pond. Following their final-day tumble out of the Championship, the Greens are now not only nursing the wounds of relegation but also scanning the horizon for a gaffer bold enough to take the reins and steer them back into the second tier — hopefully without the need for drama, miracles, or a last-minute points deduction elsewhere.

The club’s supporters are right to expect a promotion charge. The bookies clearly think so, too. While promotion won’t be a stroll along the Hoe, there’s enough talent — and enough expectation — that anything less than a play-off push would feel like someone’s turned up to a pasty festival with a salad.

Back in League One… With Company

Plymouth are priced at around 11/4 to bounce back up at the first time of asking, trailing slightly behind fellow relegated sides Luton Town (11/10) and Cardiff City (9/4) in the promotion pecking order. Clearly, the bookies believe the Pilgrims still have some sea legs.

Of course, Bolton, Stockport and Huddersfield are all circling like seagulls round a chip van. And as history shows, League One is more unpredictable than a VAR decision on a wet Tuesday night. Plymouth have been here before — and thrived — but repeating that feat will depend heavily on who gets the managerial nod.

So, with the suspense of a poorly kept secret, let’s take a look at the leading contenders. And if you’re feeling tempted to wager your weekend pint money on it, don’t forget to check out BetTom, the new UK bookmaker offering new punters up to £25 in free bets. Because if you’re going to take a punt, you might as well do it with someone who’ll chuck in a bit of extra ammo.

Evens : Brian Barry-Murphy – The Bookies’ Favourite

Top of the current pecking order is Brian Barry-Murphy — a man with a name that sounds like he should be managing an Irish folk band rather than a football club. He’s currently evens to take over at Home Park, which means if you’re going to stick your BetTom free bet anywhere sensible, this wouldn’t be the worst idea.

BBM (as nobody calls him, but should) is currently employed by Leicester City, working as a first-team coach alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy. His previous flirtation with management came at Rochdale, where he handed in his notice in 2021 — probably before things got properly dire.

After leaving Spotland, he joined Manchester City to oversee their Elite Development Squad, leading them to back-to-back Premier League 2 titles. So, the man clearly knows his way around a whiteboard and a promising 19-year-old. From there, he’s bounced into Leicester’s coaching staff, and now, possibly, into the big chair in Devon.

The 46-year-old also has links to other recent managerial vacancies, but Argyle may just be the perfect setting for him to finally put his name properly on the map — preferably not in a “sacked after 11 games” kind of way.

2/1: Tom Cleverley – Mr. Interim

Next up is former Manchester United midfielder and Watford boss Tom Cleverley, who is, perhaps somewhat generously, priced at 2/1. The 35-year-old hung up his boots not that long ago and slid into management faster than most Sunday league players slide into the buffet line post-match.

His spell at Watford started rather well, losing just once in his opening seven as caretaker. Naturally, the club gave him the permanent role — because that’s what Watford do. But the honeymoon ended fairly swiftly. He missed the play-offs, got the chop, and now finds himself looking for job number two in a management career that’s still finding its legs.

Cleverley brings enthusiasm, recent experience and presumably still remembers what it’s like to actually kick a football. Whether that’s enough for the Plymouth board remains to be seen. He’s certainly a tempting outside flutter if you fancy using your BetTom welcome bonus on something a bit more speculative.

9/4: Des Buckingham – Promotion-Proven but Recently Unemployed

Third on the list is Des Buckingham — a man who’s seen both the highs of promotion and the lows of boardroom impatience. He took Oxford United up via the League One play-offs in 2024, which should make him a logical candidate for a club aiming to do exactly that.

However, his stay in the Championship was shorter than a Greggs sausage roll in a school common room. Oxford fans were still unpacking their away-day scarves when he was let go in December with the club dangling just above the drop zone.

Despite that, his success in the division below can’t be ignored. Buckingham has the credentials, the experience, and — crucially — a point to prove. He could be just the kind of sensible, under-the-radar appointment who turns out to be a masterstroke. Or at the very least, less of a gamble than appointing someone because he once played for England.

Don’t Forget the Free Bets

Now, if you’re looking to spice up your transfer tittle-tattle with a wager, this is where things get mildly exciting. New UK bookmaker BetTom is currently offering new punters up to £25 in free bets — which could make guessing the next Plymouth boss all the more entertaining, and far less financially reckless.

Whether you’re siding with Barry-Murphy’s coaching pedigree, backing Cleverley to turn things around, or punting on Buckingham’s bounce-back, using a free bet is a no-brainer. Well, unless you’re planning to back someone completely rogue, like Roy Keane. Then it’s more of a cry for help.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Inherit the Dugout Dilemma?

Whoever ends up sitting in the Home Park dugout, one thing is certain: they’ll need a thick skin, a clear plan, and probably a fairly chunky spreadsheet to work through the fixture congestion. With promotion the unspoken demand and a fanbase craving stability (and goals), the next boss won’t be getting a free ride — even if the bookmakers are still throwing free bets at punters like confetti at a football-themed wedding.

Whether it’s Barry-Murphy’s steady rise, Cleverley’s youthful enthusiasm, or Buckingham’s redemption arc, the Devon club has some fascinating options on the table. And if you fancy turning your predictions into pounds, don’t forget that all of our featured UK bookmakers are giving new customers some tasty free bet deals. Use them wisely. Or wildly. Just don’t blame us if you back the wrong Brian.

Until the ink dries and the next man walks through the Home Park gates with a scarf above his head, the guessing game continues. As does the betting. Because let’s face it — in football, the only thing more entertaining than the matches… is the mayhem off the pitch.

Next Plymouth Argyle Manager Odds