Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder emerges as favourite for Bournemouth job

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder has emerged as the surprise bookmakers' favourite for the vacant position at Middlesbrough.

After Scott Parker was removed from his position at the end of August, Gary O'Neil was handed the reins on a temporary basis.

Despite his lack of managerial experience, the Englishman has spearheaded a Cherries revival with five points being collected from Premier League fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Bournemouth's upturn in results has led to O'Neil remaining in his role longer than anticipated, and the 39-year-old is seemingly keen to stay in the dugout.

Furthermore, a report over the weekend claimed that Bournemouth's prospective new owners saw no reason to make a change with the club performing above expectations in the top flight.

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However, on Monday morning, many leading bookmakers drastically shortened Wilder's odds of leaving Middlesbrough for the South Coast.

With some outlets, Wilder was as high as 25/1, but the 55-year-old is now at least 1/3, arguably a sign of developments behind the scenes.

The change in price comes as a surprise, particularly with Middlesbrough currently sitting in the Championship relegation zone after 10 matches.

Boro have accumulated just 10 points, collecting just two wins and failing to live up to their tags as one of the promotion favourites.

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Nevertheless, it appears that Wilder is very much in contention for another stint in the Premier League after his previous efforts with Sheffield United.

In their first year back in the top flight in 2019-20, the Blades went close to achieving European football before eventually finishing in ninth position, recording 54 points in the process.

According to The Athletic, Wilder was taking charge of training as normal on Monday, adding that Boro have not made a formal approach for his services.

The North East outfit are currently preparing for Saturday's fixture against bottom club Coventry City.