Leeds United: Runners and riders
Here are the names currently in the frame for the vacant Leeds United manager's job.
Aidy Boothroyd: United's former first-team coach. Watford plucked Boothroyd from Elland Road in a surprise appointment in 2005, and the Hornets won promotion to the Premier League under him, beating Leeds in the 2006 Championship play-off final. After parting company with Watford last month, Boothroyd is a ready and available option.
Billy Davies: The former Preston boss has been out of work since leaving Derby, the club he guided into the Premier League via the play-offs last year. But while Davies might not be popular with United fans, his performance as boss at Deepdale was further evidence of his ability to succeed in the lower leagues.
Darren Ferguson: Comes from good managerial stock with his father, Sir Alex Ferguson, the longest-serving boss in English football and Ferguson Jnr has made a name for himself at Peterborough United. Appointed in 2007, he won automatic promotion from League Two with the club last season and is well on the way to qualifying for the League One play-offs this term. It is unlikely, however, that Peterborough's board would agree to any advances from Elland Road.
Gustavo Poyet: Was present at Stadium:mk on Saturday to witness the defeat which ended Gary McAllister's reign, and his Elland Road connections might make him a genuine contender. He was Dennis Wise's assistant at Leeds for a year, contributing to the incredible run of form at the start of last season, but his move to Tottenham as Juande Ramos' number two was not a success.
Robert Di Matteo: Ken Bates gained a glimpse of Di Matteo's ability in Saturday's clash between Leeds and MK Dons, who would fight tooth and nail to retain the Italian who signed a one-year deal when he took on his first job in management last summer. Would doubtless enjoy working with his ex-Chelsea chairman Bates.
John Sheridan: Another ex-Leeds player who has caught the eye with the job he has carried out at Oldham. Sheridan is operating on a limited budget but he has taken Oldham into the play-off zone this season. Guaranteed to be a popular choice with Leeds fans but signed a new three-year deal in 2007.
Joe Royle: If Leeds are looking for a proven candidate to take them forward, Royle's name should figure high on the list. The 59-year-old has a wealth of experience with long periods in charge of Oldham, Everton, Manchester City and Ipswich. However, he has been out of football for two years.
YEP