BOOKMAKERS' odds on Adi Viveash becoming Swindon Town's next manager plummeted to evens today after the former County Ground defender's departure as academy chief at Premier League champions-elect Chelsea.

Skybet slashed their odds on Viveash returning to Wiltshire following the announcement by the Stamford Bridge club that the 47 year old was leaving after nine years with the Londoners.

Viveash, who made nearly 70 appearances for Town in two spells between 1989-95 and 2003-04, had been with the Blues since 2008 but is being replaced in changes to Chelsea's academy structure.

His successful spell with the club saw him help Chelsea to two FA Youth Cup wins and two successes in the U21 Champions League.

The former defender, who also enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Walsall and Reading, bossed Chelsea's U23 team against Town in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season.

He was due to take part in a special match to celebrate the Swindon & District League's 125th anniversary at Royal Wootton Bassett this afternoon, although his name subsequently did not appear on team sheets for the encounter.

Referring to Viveash's departure, Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said of Viveash: "Adi’s progression through the Academy and the success of the teams he has managed clearly show the quality of his work with Chelsea.

"We are immensely proud of the club’s record in the FA Youth Cup and Adi played a very important part in maintaining that.

"In the new area of European competition at Academy level, the back-to-back triumphs of our Under-19 sides was an outstanding achievement. We wish Adi all the best for the next stage of his career."

After announcing the departure of head coach Luke Williams - with coach Ross Embleton also understood to have left the club yesterday - Town said their search for a new manager was "well under way.''

Also high up the Skybet odds list for the next permanent manager is director of football Tim Sherwood, who publicly distanced himself from involvement in tactical and selection affairs following the club's relegation to League Two last month.

The former Aston Villa and Tottenham boss was at 5-1 in the betting, just ahead of former Southampton and Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins (6-1) and Queens Park Rangers technical director - and former Town player - Chris Ramsey (8-1).

Former Reading and Leeds boss Brian McDermott and ex-Burton and QPR chief Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink are at 10-1, followed by Alan Stubbs and Owen Coyle at 12-1.

Skybet were offering 14-1 on an unlikely return to the County Ground for Paolo Di Canio and ex-Cheltenham, Bristol City and Sunderland boss Steve Cotterill getting the job.

Ex-Millwall and Wolves chief Kenny Jackett, as well as Dougie Freedman, Steven Pressley, Alex McLeish and Paul Ince were further back in their market, while BetVictor had Billy Davies, Dennis Wise, Chris Powell, Graham Westley and Keith Hill among their longer odds offerings.

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