Experience helpful for long-price Bolton options

Mick McCarthy is currently hot favourite to succeed Owen Coyle at Bolton, with the former Wolves boss a 4/5 shot to take the Reebok Stadium reins.

McCarthy has been out of work since being sacked by Wolves, who were eventually relegated from the Premier League last term, in February.

And his credentials are undoubted at Championship level, having achieved promotion on three occasions with two different clubs.

But whilst the Irishman looks to have chances of landing the role, equally appealing prospects can be found at much bigger prices in the betting for the next Trotters boss.

In particular, Billy Davies appeals as a 16/1 hope, with the Scot keen to end an exile from football that has now spanned over a year.

Davies has an astonishing managerial record at Championship level, having reached the play-offs five times in only five full seasons in charge of three different clubs.

Derby County are the only side Davies has actually led to promotion, but the instant impact he has tended to have when newly-appointed at a club will likely appeal to 18th-placed Bolton.

Meanwhile, Phil Brown could represent an interesting proposition, at 18/1 to return to the club where he has previously been a player and an assistant manager, in a managerial role.

Brown’s last foray into management wasn’t his most successful, as his failure to avoid relegation with Preston was followed by a failed promotion bid with the same club.

However, whilst his League One promotion credentials are unfounded, Brown has previously led a side to the Premier League, having steered Hull to play-off success in 2008.

His strong Bolton connections would also appear to aid his chances of securing the vacancy, and Brown could prove a tempting punt for the role at a big price.

Also, the current employment status of the aforementioned Davies and Brown will appeal to Trotters chairman Phil Gartside, who wouldn’t have to fork out compensation to bring either in.

Thus, they appear more feasible options than the likes of 16/1 Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, and MK Dons chief Karl Robinson at the same price.

Meanwhile, Alan Curbishley, also 16/1, is likely to be deterred by the North West location of the club, and so Davies and Brown appear the best of longer-priced options here.

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