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Two well-known bookmakers have Ant and Dec at 500/1 to become the next Newcastle United boss after the departure of Rafa Benítez.
According to Oddschecker, Paddy Power and Betfair are open to bets on the dynamic TV duo to succeed the 59-year-old Spaniard.
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And bookies are also taking bets on Anthony McPartlin, 43, to take up the post without Declan Donnelly, 43, at 500-1.
The Magpies announced on Monday that Benítez would be leaving the club once his contract expires at the end of the month.
It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.
- Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) 24 June 2019
Full club statement: https://t.co/IscVOvLxGD #NUFC pic.twitter.com/DWeBkpRubP
"We have worked hard to extend Rafa's contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been -- and will not be -- possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives," reads the club's statement.
"Rafa's coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on 30th June.
"We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved.
"We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period of uncertainty.
"The process to appoint a successor will now begin."
Oddschecker has revealed that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has emerged as the second favourite to succeed Benítez at the club.
The 41-year-old sits on 7/1 odds to arrive at Newcastle ahead of the new season, with ex-Birmingham City boss Garry Monk remaining the favourite at 11/2.
"Just as news of a potential takeover of Newcastle seemed to be coming to fruition, Toon fans have been dealt a huge blow this morning," Oddschecker spokesman Callum Wilson said.
"With Rafa Benítez gone, bookmakers have leapt to price up his successor -- and the early money is indicating that Bournemouth's Eddie Howe is well in the frame.
"Gary Monk remains favourite and the most backed with almost a third of all bets, however, huge names in the game such as José Mourinho, Arsène Wenger are being backed, with 22 per cent and 11 per cent of all bets respectively."
Newcastle fans are outraged at Benítez leaving the club and have flooded social media with their responses to the announcement.
I'm very bummed about Rafa leaving... only thing we can do is to :pray: for this takeover to be real
- Ruffles Benitez (@NUFC_monkey) 24 June 2019
Absolutely gutted.
- Tony Walters (@Carmonte) 24 June 2019
Rafa Benitez genuinely United a fan base when it was at its lowest.
Helped us promoted as champions at 1st attempt
Kept us in premier League for two seasons whilst totally underfunded
Fought for fans
He and we deserve better#CheersRafa#NUFC
Disgusting way to treat a hero #Benitez
- Mr Sanity (@HumanityReality) 24 June 2019
Pathetic from Newcastle. Rafa Benitez, undoubtedly, was the best thing to happen to this club since Sir Bobby Robson came home. #nufc
- Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) 24 June 2019
Benitez has been brilliant for Newcastle. He gave supporters hope and pride at a moment when they had none & they responded in kind. The sad thing is that he recognised things in the club which this regime simply won't; potential, ambition, possibility.
- George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) 24 June 2019
Utterly, utterly depressing and an(other) indictment of #nufc in the Mike Ashley era.
- Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) 24 June 2019
Rafa Benitez was a lifeline for the club: ambitious, urging them to improve and strive. That he has left tells you a lot about what he's left behind.
Who should succeed Benítez at Newcastle?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Football News, Football, Magpies, Rafa Benitez, Premier League, Newcastle United