Curbishley heads betting to make management return at West Brom

Currently in the midst of a four year exile from football management, Alan Curbishley has emerged as 4/1 joint-favourite to take charge of West Brom.

The former Charlton manager has been out of the game since parting company with West Ham back in 2008, but could be perfectly suited to the Hawthorns hot seat.

His understated approach to management is similar to that of outgoing Baggies manager Roy Hodgson, and the credentials he demonstrated in guiding Charlton to mid-table security and steering West Ham clear of relegation danger will appeal to chairman Jeremy Peace.

Curbishley was believed to be in the frame for the vacant Wolves post earlier in the season, and the initial interest he displayed in the job would seem to indicate he could be ready to return to management sooner rather than later.

His companion at 4/1 is Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton, whose hands are somewhat tied in charge of the South Coast club.

Appleton’s half-season tenure at Pompey eventually resulted in relegation, though there was little he could do following a ten point penalty being attributed to the club amidst administration.

A former caretaker boss at the Hawthorns, the position would certainly appeal to Appleton, and he would have to seriously consider his Portsmouth future should he receive an approach from his former club.

Just behind those two in the market is Chris Hughton meanwhile, who is a 9/2 chance to make the move from Midlands rivals Birmingham.

Much could depend on his success in the playoffs with the Blues, and his price could be cut should they be eliminated from the Championship promotion deciding contests.

Current interim Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is an alternative option, 16/1 to make a sensational Hawthorns return, though the sterling effort he has produced in charge at Stamford Bridge makes him look a great candidate to land that job permanently.