Who will be next to enter the Wolves den? All the runners and riders to replace Mick McCarthy...

By Richard Aikman in Mirror Football Blog

Published 13:29 13/02/12

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After Mick McCarthy failed to keep the Wolves from his door, a number of managers will already have their eye on replacing him as the main man at Molineux.

Wolves sack Mick McCarthy  

Here are the early runners and riders....

Steve Bruce - Unemployed 9/2

The early favourite spent a long spell in the Midlands with Birmingham, one of the many clubs he's managed during a nomadic career. However, the difference his replacement Martin O'Neill has made at Sunderland won't have done his current stock any favours - even when there was money to spend.

Alan Curbishley - Unemployed 9/2

Built a respected reputation as one of the Premier League's longest serving managers at Charlton but has been out of work since being given the 'tin tack' by West Ham. Unsurprisingly, Curbishley has already said he would answer the phone if Wolves supremo Steve Morgan calls - he's probably waiting by it right now.

Neil Warnock - Unemployed 7/1

Warnock's unique brand of shouting, we mean management, is not to everyone's taste but he has proved to be a good motivator (unless you ask Joey Barton). Has Premier League experience with Sheffield United and QPR while his promotion record would come in handy if Wolves fail to beat the drop.

Ian Holloway - Blackpool 8/1

Brightened up the Premier League while living a Tangerine dream with Blackpool last season. But, while his witty anecdotes would win over the neutrals, Olly's preferred style of have-a-go football isn't necessarily what you would need in a dogfight.

Dave Jones - Unemployed 16/1

Had a successful stint at Molineux, which included winning promotion to the Premier League - but his team could only win a grand total of eight games when they got there and were promptly relegated. Jones is available after leaving Cardiff - having failed to take them up last season.

Graeme Souness - Unemployed 16/1

Since being sacked by Newcastle, Souness has been linked with the top job at Crystal Palace, Bolton, Newcastle (again), Middlesborough, Blackburn and the Scotland national team...without landing any of them. As his brusque nature as a Sky argument-monger suggests, maybe he just doesn't interview well.

Lee Clark - Huddersfield 16/1

Clark has earned praise for some success at League One club Huddersfield over the last couple of seasons and would be a good bet if Wolves decide to gamble on an up and coming manager to replace Mick's old school approach - but are they really in a situation to take a punt?

Rafa Benitez - Unemployed 20/1

A wet afternoon in the Black Country is far removed from entering to the sounds of the Champions League anthem with Valencia or Liverpool. However, as his constant hawking himself around the British media proves, Benitez is desperate for a return to the Premier League.

Kevin Keegan - Unemployed 25/1

Newcastle's so-called Messiah has been out of work since his second coming on Tyneside didn't work out. He's more comfortable taking charge when the coffers are full and history has proved, when the going gets tough - Keggers invariably gets going.

Chris Hughton - Birmingham 25/1 (Sky Bet)

Proved he had what it takes to survive in the big league before being unceremoniously dumped by Newcastle, Hughton has taken Birmingham close to an automatic promotion place in the Championship. Would he risk leaving that only to come back down if it doesn't work out at Molineux?

Gordon Strachan - Unemployed 33/1

The wee man has experience staying up by the skin of his teeth with clubs like Coventry and Southampton. He's been out of gainful employment since leaving Middlesborough by 'mutual consent' - - and at least a return to the Premier League would wind up Fergie.

All Betting Odds from William Hill (unless stated) correct at time of publication

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