Davies may be popular fan choice for Nottingham Forest return

Billy Davies may not be anywhere close to favouritism in the betting to be the next Nottingham Forest manager, but he should not be completely ruled out of the reckoning.

If the new owners decide to plump for a fan favourite to replace Steve Cotterill, then Davies would have to be considered as a leading candidate, especially at 20/1.

In his two seasons with Forest before getting sacked because of an uneasy relationship with the previous board, Davies finished in the top six of the Championship on each occasion, but the play-offs were twice his undoing.

However, what most endeared him to Forest supporters was an ethos similar to that of Jose Mourinho, which draws the club together and suggested that it was one against the world.

With new owners, Davies would clearly benefit from more money to spend and the chance to continue from where he left off at the end of the 2011 season.

He has previously stated that he would jump at the opportunity to return to Nottingham Forest to fulfil his duty of helping the club return to the Premier League.

Davies has built up warranted respect at Championship level, with his tactical astuteness and ability to motivate players also reaping rewards at Derby and Preston.

The one question mark is whether such an appointment would represent a step back for the club, as they should be looking to move forward, rather than dwell in the past.

Meanwhile, there must also be doubts as to whether he is a big enough name to satisfy the new owners.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.