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. |