Wednesday 30 March 2016 11:52, UK
We look at the leading contenders to replace Remi Garde at Aston Villa, according to Sky Bet's odds.
The Frenchman left Villa Park on Tuesday evening with the Premier League's bottom club facing a huge task to avoid relegation.
Barring the most remarkable of escapes, with 12 points between themselves and safety, Villa must now start planning for life in the Sky Bet Championship.
Here's a look at who Sky Bet rate as the leading candidates to take over…
David Moyes (Sky Bet's 2/1 favourite)
When David Moyes left Everton almost three years ago his sights were set on the very top, with the ominous task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United ahead of him. However, difficult spells at Old Trafford and then Real Sociedad see him now considered favourite to take charge of the Premier League's bottom club. In Villa, Moyes would have the chance to rebuild one of the county's biggest underachievers along with his own career.
Nigel Pearson (9/4 with Sky Bet)
If Pearson is interested in a Mission Impossible: II then the script is written. The 52-year-old inspired Leicester to a remarkable surge to safety last season, after being bottom of the table and seven points off survival with eight games to go. Aston Villa face an even bigger challenge. However, Pearson could also be the man to help Villa to an immediate return to the top flight, should they be relegated - he led Leicester to the Championship title in 2013/14.
Mick McCarthy (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy has been the best-backed contender in Sky Bet's next Aston Villa manager market, with his odds halving from 12/1 to 6/1 since Garde's announcement. The Yorkshireman's six-year stint at Midlands rivals Wolves would be unlikely to endear him to the Villa Park faithful and he currently has the chance to secure another run at promotion with Ipswich, who are just four points outside the play-offs. But former Villa man Paul Merson has already endorsed McCarthy, suggesting he would be the man to rebuild the club if they face relegation. He told Sky Sports last week: "Mick McCarthy is as good as anybody in that league. He will get that club settled, get the right players in."
Steve Bruce (7/1 with Sky Bet)
Like McCarthy, Bruce has a promotion battle on his hands with Hull sat fourth in the Championship. The Tigers are aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation in 2014/15. Bruce's spell as manager of Birmingham could also make a potential appointment unpopular with the Villa supporters.
Steve McClaren (11/1 with Sky Bet)
Former England boss Steve McClaren is once again available after being sacked by Newcastle in March. The 54-year-old failed to lead Derby to promotion from the Championship last season, and, after struggling with Newcastle in the Premier League this term, would have plenty to prove should he be appointed.
Other options
Garry Monk is out of work and certainly did not disgrace himself at Swansea, while he boasts promotion experience, albeit as a player, back in 2010/11. Sean Dyche is also 12/1 but is currently in charge of high-flying Burnley, who sit top of the Championship without a defeat since December. Assistant manager and interim boss Eric Black is the same price as he prepares the team for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday. Black would presumably be a cheaper option than some names on the list but the Villa board made clear in their statement that he would be taking charge "until the club appoints a new manager". Of the longer-priced options, Ryan Giggs (14/1), Steve Clarke (20/1) and Brendan Rodgers (33/1) are considered in the mix.
