Next Walsall manager: Odds are tumbling on Keith Hill

The 49-year-old, who was recently sacked by the Dale after six years in charge, could be found at odds of 25/1 with some bookmakers late last week.

But on Saturday those odds crashed to 5/1. And they were cut once again to 7/4 on Easter Sunday.

It means Hill is now the outright favourite to be Walsall’s new manager with caretaker boss Martin O’Connor, Chris Powell and Paul Hurst all joint second favourite at 4/1.

Hill is sure to appeal to the Saddlers board following his two stints in charge of the Dale. He first took charge at Spotland in 2006 before leaving for Barnsley in 2011.

He then returned in 2013 and became known for building teams who play attractive football despite operating on one of the lowest budgets in League One.

Walsall go to Wycombe today knowing they desperately need a win as they bid to avoid relegation. But should they do down, Hill has twice won promotion from League Two.

Meanwhile, interim manager O’Connor says he believes Walsall can still stay up this year.

A 1-1 draw with Southend on Good Friday means Walsall have now taken just one point from a possible 21.

That has left them three points from safety with three games to play heading into today’s clash at Wycombe.

And O’Connor says he is desperately trying to give the players more belief with confidence low following the poor run of results.

“I believe, without question, I believe we can stay up,” O’Connor said.

“It’s getting that message across to the players.

“They were gutted with the performance against Southend.

“But they know they need to do more to get more out the game.

“We have to be more of a threat. We need more composure, we need more belief.

“We have worked hard on getting balls into the box, to create space, to have second phase attacks.

“It’s worked fantastically well in training. That is what gives me confidence.

“But there is a bit of hesitancy come match day. That belief is missing.

“That’s what we have to improve.”