ALAN Curbishley is odds on to replace David O'Leary in the Villa Park hot seat, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.

Irishman O'Leary parted company with the underachieving Midlands club on Wednesday night after an enquiry into a statement criticising chairman Doug Ellis.

And former Charlton man Curbishley, who ended his 15 year tenure at the South London club at the end of last season, is now 4/7 to take the helm.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Curbishley looks to be the most eligible candidate on the market and obviously has connections with the club from his playing days.

"He said it was time for a change of direction and a fresh challenge when he left Charlton. And there's no bigger challenge in football than working for Deadly Doug."

Ex-Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and one-time Wolves chief Glenn Hoddle share 6/1 second favouritism, with Bolton's Sam Allardyce an 8/1 shot.

Despite a tabloid newspaper sting in which he was said to have been approached for the job, Sven Goran Eriksson is 25/1 to take it for real.

LATEST BETTING

Next Permanent Aston Villa Manager

4/7 Alan Curbishley
6/1 Martin O'Neil
6/1 Glenn Hoddle
8/1 Sam Allardyce
10/1 Alex McLeish
12/1 Billy Davies
16/1 Graeme Souness
16/1 Mike Newell
16/1 Brian Kerr
16/1 Peter Reid
20/1 David Jones
25/1 Sven Goran Eriksson
33/1 Roy .Aitken
33/1 John Gregory
33/1 Roy Keane
33/1 Brian Little
50/1 Dean Saunders
50/1 Steve Staunton
100/1 Andy Gray
100/1 Graham Taylor

Others On Application.