Former Liverpool star becomes new favourite for job

STEVEN Gerrard is the new bookies' favourite to take on the Middlesbrough head coach role, but he only recently stated he was planning to enjoy a break from the game.

- By CRAIG JOHNS Football writer [e-mail] @craig_johns

Boro are currently looking for their successor to Michael Carrick after they sacked the Manchester United legend last week.

It's understood that interviews for the vacant role are taking place this week and though many familiar names continue to be linked, Boro have received many applications with some more leftfield possibilities described as 'excellent.

With no decision yet on what direction Boro will go down, many names continue to be linked, and the betting markets continue to fluctuate. Though Liverpool legend Gerrard has been around the markets from the off, he suddenly became a big mover, with BetVictor placing him as the new favourite.

Perhaps explaining why the 45-year-old has moved so much, Oddschecker spokesperson Leon Blackman said: "The betting support continues to pour in for Gerrard across our platform on Monday, with 77% of all bets on the day backing the Liverpool legend for the job.