Sports Betting Firm Closes Book On Next Scotland Boss

The bookmaker will no longer be taking bets on the identity of Scotland's next manager.

Bookmaker William Hill has announced that it is no longer taking bets on who will succeed George Burley as Scotland manager.

The sports betting firm closed its book due to chief executive Ralph Topping's position as non-executive chairman of the Scottish Premier League.

Spokesperson Graham Sharpe said that all wagers already taken will be honoured, but confirmed that the betting market will now be closed as a result of Mr Topping's dual role.

"We would not like any aspersions to be cast in his or our direction in the event of any major gamble taking place on the identity of the new Scotland managerial appointment, so we have decided to close our book," he commented.

Former Southampton boss Burley was sacked after 22 months as Scotland manager on Monday (November 16th), having won just three of his 14 games in charge.

Sky Bet makes Walter Smith and Craig Levein joint favourites to fill the vacancy at 5/2, while Jim Jefferies is a 5/1 bet and John Collins can be backed at 6/1.