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Bookies suspends betting with Wrexham set to appoint new manager

The leading bookies suspends betting on a candidate with Wrexham set to appoint a new manager, with an announcement nearing.

Mark Hudson appears to be on the verge of becoming the National League side’s next permanent manager as BetVictor closed betting on him getting the job following a dramatic shortening of odds.

Nigel Clough and Jim Gannon were the initial leading contenders for the role, with high profile names such as Casey Stoney and Mark Hughes then being linked to the vacancy at The Racecourse Ground.

However, it’s Mark Hudson who then came out of nowhere and has emerged as the favourite for the job with the former Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City player reamining in pole position as his odds were stable at 3/1.

Sky Bet have him down at 1/10 with second favourite Casey Stoney at 7/1 and third favourite and Newport boss Michael Flynn at 10/1… so Hudson a sure thing then it seems?

It is anticipated that Hudson will soon be appointed by Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the hope of returning to League Two.

Whilst a centre-back, he began his professional career with Fulham after progressing through the club’s youth academy. He made his senior debut in a League Cup match in 2000, however made just two further first team appearances for the Cottagers. He spent two spells on loan with Oldham Athletic in 2003 before signing with Crystal Palace on loan after Oldham manager Iain Dowie moved between the two clubs. He joined Palace on a permanent basis soon after as they spent one season in the Premier League before establishing himself in the first team following their return to the Championship.

In 2008, he then went to Charlton Athletic following the expiration of his contract where he was later appointed captain of the side but suffered relegation to the third tier during his only season at the club. He instead joined the Bluebirds Cardiff and was appointed captain on his arrival. He helped the side reach the playoffs in his first three seasons, suffering defeat each time, before they won promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship in 2013. However, Hudson was dropped following promotion in favour of new signings and made only nine further appearances in over a year before departing for Huddersfield Town.

He again took over the captaincy soon after his arrival and made over 100 appearances for the club during a three-year spell, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in his final season. He announced his retirement from playing at the end of the 2016–17 season and was appointed manager of the club’s under-23 squad. Hudson has been Huddersfield’s caretaker manager on two occasions, but now looks set to drop down to non league football.

Hudson was appointed manager of Huddersfield’s under-23 team in January 2018. Hudson had previously stated about moving into coaching once he retired and holds a UEFA B licence.

On 14 January 2019, he was appointed as interim manager at Huddersfield Town following the departure of David Wagner. He managed the side for one game, a 3–0 defeat against Manchester City, before Jan Siewert was appointed as the new permanent manager. Following the sacking of Siewart on 16 August 2019, Hudson once again took over as caretaker manager, with his first game in charge being a 2–1 away defeat at his former club Cardiff City.

HUDSON’S PLAYING CAREER:

Youth career
–1999 – Fulham

Senior career
1999–2004 – Fulham
2003 → Oldham Athletic (loan) – 11 games (0 goals)
2003 → Oldham Athletic (loan) – 4 games (0 goals)
2004 → Crystal Palace (loan) – 14 games (0 goals)
2004–2008 – Crystal Palace – 106 games (7 goals)
2008–2009 – Charlton Athletic – 43 games (3 goals)
2009–2014 – Cardiff City – 144 games (11 goals)
2014–2017 – Huddersfield Town – 102 games (5 goals)
Total – 424 games (26 goals)

WHAT HAS THE OWNERS SAID:

– “We committed to provide financial support for the Manager to create a sustainable model for the future that enabled us to attract the best players and staff to the Racecourse Ground.”

– “The search for a new Manager / Head Coach is a fundamental part of the strategy and is our immediate priority.”

– “Terms have been offered to several of the existing squad who will be joined by new signings to give the Club the best chance of success. The playing budget will be consistent with that of a Club that wants to achieve promotion.”

– “The resources, both physical and human will be provided where possible to help achieve our goal of achieving promotion at the earliest possible opportunity.”

– “The football strategy will not just be limited to the First Team, it will also include the Centre of Excellence and our Women’s & Girls teams.”

More on the owners’ statement, regarding everything associated with the club including stadium, funding, consultation and much more can be see HERE.

Fans reacted as bookies suspends betting with Wrexham set to appoint their new manager…

@RichWXM: People already moaning about the prospect of someone like Mark Hudson as manager. Don’t forget, the managers who actually made us contenders in this league were all first timers… Morrell, Keates and Ricketts

@Benno63: Listened to his “Undr the Cosh” podcast. He comes across as a good bloke and a proper leader

@redbungle: Don’t know much about other than what I have read. Seems to be highly thought of. So fingers crossed, could be inspired appointment

@ashwills87: not overly keen about mark Hudson becoming manager. We need a experienced head and a coach that has got a team out of the conference before.

@GogDemi: John Neal never managed anywhere else before he joined Wrexham though. Time will tell.

@AshleyCCFC_95: For what at its worth, I think he’s going to be a great manager! Seems to have done well on a coaching side of it, just hope he can do well for you lot

@tjrin21: I’m all in on Mark Hudson. Give it him. Back him.

@partypirate: Mark Hudson for @Wrexham_AFC manager? Unknown quantity to me but seems a solid choice.

@padge2: Seeing loads of ‘it’s Mark Hudson’ posts but not a dot of confirmation or HP sauce yet. Would be happy with the appointment though. I think he’s a serial winner, calm, cool as ice.

@jpwxm91: Stand aside the reds are coming, Mark Hudson is the name

@GazTrow: Must admit I’m over the moon it’s going to be Mark Hudson as our manager he’s a top coach and speaks very well. Listened to @UndrTheCosh with him on and he’s seems a top person aswel. Glad it’s not an over the hill manager looking for a pay day @Wrexham_AFC

@simonwxm: Mark Hudson is already my favourite ever Wrexham manager.

@heynowfish: Mark Hudson’s red and white army!

@tmdxv_: Mark Hudson’s automatic promotion reds x

@aled174: Have to admit felt quite underwhelming at first but the more I read on Mark Hudson, the more I like.

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