Tel-tale signs as bookies back off Venables

TWO of Ireland’s leading bookmaking firms have suspended betting on Ireland’s new soccer manager after a flood of money was wagered yesterday on Terry Venables.

Paddy Power and Ladbrokes suspended betting last night - Cashmans also did so briefly - following a string of weighty bets on the former England manager.

‘El Tel’ - so nicknamed after his stint with Barcelona in the mid 1980’s - was considered an 11/2 shot by Ladbrokes at the start of the day’s trading.