Wolverhampton Wanderers

Who will be the next manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers?

By Liam Apicella, Features EditorPublished: 21 February 2012 1:28 PM

A number of managers have been linked with the managerial vacancy at Wolverhampton Wanderers over the last eight days. Here, Sports Mole assesses the latest contenders.

Since Mick McCarthy was relieved of his duties at Wolverhampton Wanderers eight days ago, a number of managers have been linked with the vacancy.

Initially, the likes of Neil Warnock, Alan Curbishley and Dougie Freedman had been touted to fill the post.

However, for one reason or another, that trio have ruled themselves out of the running, along with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has re-evaluated the contenders to take over at Molineux.

Brian McDermott

Reading boss McDermott has emerged as one of the favourites for the position over the last couple of days. The 50-year-old, who has been in charge of the Royals since 2009, has built himself a reputation as a manager who likes his teams to play passing football - something that may appeal to supporters of Wolves after a spell of watching McCarthy's direct style.

Odds: 7/2

Lee Clark

Clark may appeal to the Wolves board as they will not have to pay compensation to appoint him to the helm. The 39-year-old was somewhat surprisingly sacked by Huddersfield Town last week, having turned down a number of clubs over the previous 18 months to stay with the Terriers. What may count against Clark is his lack of experience at the top level.

Odds: 7/2

Steve Bruce

Bruce is the only contender that has remained a strong favourite for the role throughout the recruitment process. The former Sunderland boss is believed to have held discussions with Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey on Friday afternoon. The outcome of those talks has yet to be made public.

Odds: 11/4

Gustavo Poyet

The Uruguayan emerged as one of the frontrunners yesterday evening when Wolves reportedly asked Brighton & Hove Albion for permission to discuss terms with their manager. Stories this morning have claimed that the Seagulls will demand £2m in compensation for Poyet, something that may scare off Wolves. The 44-year-old is also believed to be keen on finishing his project with Brighton.

Odds: 5/1

Roy Keane

Keane is reportedly keen on a return to management, having been out of work since leaving Ipswich Town in January 2011. The Irishman, currently a pundit with ITV, has previous experience of managing in the Premier League with Sunderland.

Odds: 20/1