Who Replaces Brian? What The Bookies Say...

(All prices correct at 6.00pm Tuesday 19th March 2013; all prices taken from Betfair)

Nigel Adkins 11/10 (highest price 33/1, lowest price 4/7)

Odds-on with most fixed-odds bookmakers, the former Southampton manager was matched as high as 33/1 but is now the clear favourite after a recent plunge in the market. Currently out of a job after his sacking by Southampton in January, he's been heavily linked with the Leeds job should Neil Warnock leave his post in the summer.

Eamonn Dolan 8/1 (highest price 64/1, lowest price 5/2)

The former Exeter City manager moved to Reading in 2004 to take over the Academy management and was seen by many as a stopgap for the big appointment, whether it comes in the next week or at the end of the season. But after a decent display at Old Trafford, his odds have shortened wildly (going as short as 5/2) - and whoever's sitting on the few pounds matched at 64/1 will be very happy to see more good performances under the caretaker manager - and a continuation of the Reading way of keeping things in-house.

Luis Enrique 8/1 (highest price 31/1)

This is one which has certainly come out of left-field as the legendary Spanish midfielder has been out of work since last summer after leaving Roma. But with his connections and playing experience, he could be a viable option and certainly a "sexier" one than many being mooted in the papers.

Phil Parkinson 10/1 (highest price 33/1, lowest price 7/2)

Now this is one that would make sense, and a homecoming for the Reading legend would certainly please the Royals faithful. But as we've seen with Brendan Rodgers, keeping to what (or who) you know isn't always the best idea. Currently managing Bradford, he famously led the League Two side to a Carling Cup Final where they were beaten by Swansea.

Gus Poyet 12/1 (highest price 64/1, lowest price 5/1)

Another manager currently in employment, he's leading Brighton towards a play-off push. Whether he'd leave one club potentially on the up for another which is in all probability heading down is another matter, but money talks...

Paolo Di Canio 14/1 (highest price 22/1, lowest price 4/5)

The majority of the money on Di Canio was traded at 2/1 or lower in the early trade, as the press reported that the Italian who recently left Swindon was being lined up for a quick return to management. In the last few days, though, his odds have lengthened dramatically as the speedy appointment hasn't been forthcoming.

Alan Curbishley 16/1 (highest price 44/1, lowest price 11/1)

Out of management for nearly 5 years, the former West Ham and Charlton manager seems to be linked with every post going. The market would seem to suggest we won't take the plunge.

Roberto Di Matteo 20/1 (highest price 40/1, lowest price 2/1)

Like Di Canio, two and two were quickly put together as managers out of work, and the pair were quickly installed as favourites for the post. But reports have confirmed that he's some way away from agreeing terms and the lengthening of his odds reflect that.

Other prices:

Dick Advocaat 25/1 (highest price 1000/1)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 37/1 (highest price 110/1)

Steve Coppell 37/1 (highest price 120/1)

Steve McClaren 41/1 (highest price 50/1)

Mark Hughes 45/1 (highest price 100/1)

Ian Holloway 64/1 (highest price 500/1)

Jimmy Kebe 33/1 on Skybet - well, why not...?

So the bookies seem to think Nigel Adkins will become the new Reading manager - but then, Paolo Di Canio was odds-on for a very long time before drifting markedly to his current price. Don't be surprised if this takes more twists and turns over the next week or two.