New Hull Manager

With only 8 games to go it will not give the new manager much of a chance to turn things around. I am guessing the Hull City chairman is hoping for the new manager effect to kick in. Realistically Wigan, West Ham, Wolves, Burnley and Hull are battling it out to stay out of the remaining 2 relegation spots (assuming Portsmouth are already down).

For those who think the new manager effect is a myth just ask Norwich and Barnsley fans this season and Spurs fans last year! It is surely the only sensible reason as to sack Phil Brown at this stage of the season. Unless he was doing it to protect Brown's dignity and stop him from singing at the end of the season.

So who is going to replace Brown.

With Hull needing to appoint someone quickly (I am assuming this new manager effect is the reason for the sacking remember!) you could be forgiven to think that they do not already have someone lined up. Poaching a manager currently in a job could be a lengthy process. Lengthier than the quick appointment he requires. He has actually stated he wants someone in by Wednesday.

I will list pros and cons of the some of the top contenders.
Alan Curbishley -

He is available has experience in the premier league at the bottom,

However has been ruled out by the chairman already. Not convinced Curbishley would take the job would he want to go to a Northern club with little money and no guarantee of being in the Premier League next year?

Gary Megson -

Pros - Available, experience of managing at the bottom of the premier league and getting teams promoted from the championship, job is not "beneath" him

Cons - Will not be popular with the fans, not known for playing great football

Paul Jewell -

Available, has experience, northern roots

Cons - Not popular with fans, similar to Brown

Gareth Southgate -

Pros Available, Plays better football, Premiership experience

Cons - Got Middlesbrough relegated, no proven success at managerial level

Steve Coppell

Pros - Experience, Available

Cons - Doubt he wants another relegation fight

My top 3 I imagine will be Gary Megson, Paul Jewell and my wildcard Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll.

SOD would have signed for Burnley earlier in the season if compensation could be agreed with his club. He has now practically saved them from the drop this season so their chairmen maybe more willing to let him go. SOD plays attractive football and would relish the step up to a Premiership Club.

However SOD would be more of a risk probably than either Megson or Jewell however In my opinion he will be worth a little bet certainly he is good value at 20/1 that you could have got with VC today.

Well we won't have to wait long apparently the new manager will be appointed by Wednesday morning.