Russell Martin increasingly likely to make Watford move as manager eyes first job since Rangers sacking

Russell Martin has been heavily linked with the Watford job ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The former Rangers boss is yet to return to the dugout since being sacked at Ibrox in October 2025, but could now make the move to the Championship.

However, despite his terrible spell in Glasgow, he has been linked to several Championship jobs in recent months.

Now, Martin is just 4/1 to take over at Watford, with Oddschecker on 14 May confirming that these odds have been slashed.

As a result, Martin could be aiming to lead Watford back to the Premier League next season.

While his stint at Rangers was no doubt a disaster, it appears to have done little to affect Martin’s reputation in England.

Since his departure, Martin has continuously been one of the favourites at multiple Championship jobs.

This is likely due to his previous success with Southampton after he guided the club back to the Premier League by winning the Championship playoffs in 2024.

Now, this trend has continued with Watford, with the current odds making him the second favourite for the role.

The Hornets manager position is notoriously difficult to hold down, with Ed Still only lasting 83 days until he was dismissed earlier this month.

However, it remains to be seen if Martin can break this trend if he is appointed as the Watford manager over the course of the summer.

Currently, the favourite for the Watford job is Erol Bulut at 2/1. The manager has been in charge of a string of teams in Turkey, but does have experience in England, managing Cardiff City between 2023 and 2024.

Scott Parker and Liam Rosenior are also in the mix, with both managers sitting at 6/1 odds after they were both recently sacked by Burnley and Chelsea.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho is also yet to be ruled out at 6/1. The Pompey boss has heavily impressed at Fratton Park, and has kept the club in the Championship for two successive campaigns now.

However, it remains to be seen who Watford will opt to appoint over the coming weeks as they look to finally return to the Premier League.

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