Next Reading Manager: Initial Odds

Nigel Adkins has today been sacked as Reading manager, leaving the Royals in 16th place in the Championship after Saturday's 6-1 battering by Birmingham City. But who are the early front-runners to take his place?

Safe money

The safest money appears to be on Steve Clarke, with the ex-West Brom gaffer standing at 8/13. After him, Rene Meulensteen (2/1) and Eamonn Dolan (3/1) make up the top three. Both Clarke and Meulensteen ended their previous reigns in the Premier League after tough periods, whilst academy boss Eamonn Dolan impressed with the youngsters last year—though he has previously stated his desire to stay where he is.

Hopefuls

Further down, Tim Sherwood could make his return to management after being sacked as Spurs manager with odds of 12/1. If it's defensive solidarity you want, Chris Hughton could be your man with odds of 14/1, whilst Crystal Palace saviour of last season Tony Pulis currently stands at 16/1.

Outside bets

If you're looking for tastier odds, the bookies reckon Tony Mowbray and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are in with a shout, both are 20/1 to take over.

Former Wigan boss Uwe Rosler could be tasty with odds of 25/1, as are Mark Cooper, Mike Phelan, Glenn Hoddle, Billy Davies, Paul Clement, Karl Robinson, and former Royals Phil Parkinson and Brian McDermott.

If you're up for a laugh, Jimmy Kebe (yes, really) has odds of 20/1 to be next manager. Somehow, we think not.

All odds courtesy of SkyBet, accurate at the time of publication. Gamble safely, visit GambleAware.co.uk.