Oxford United boss Chris Wilder has emerged as the new frontrunner to replace Andy Thorn at Coventry City. However, despite being installed as the odds-on bookmakers favourite for the job, Oxford have stated that they have received no approach for Wilder from Coventry.
Wilder has caught the eye following Oxford's impressive start to the 2012/13 season. The Us are currently third in League Two after picking up nine points from a possible 12. Since his arrival in 2008 Wilder has made a huge impact at the club and they narrowly missed out on a play-off spot last season. The 44-year-old has been credited with employing an attractive brand of football at the club, who have set their sights on winning promotion up to League Two. One potential stumbling block for Coventry is Wilder still has a year left on his contract, which means the cash-strapped club would have to pay compensation to obtain his services.
Three consecutive draws cost Thorn his job at Coventry, with Richard Shaw and Lee Carsley placed in temporary charge at the Ricoh Arena. The duo got off to a winning start, with the Sky Blues beating Birmingham 3-2 in a dramatic Capital One Cup match last week. However, the Midlands club were left still searching for their first win in League One after losing 1-0 to Crewe last weekend, a result which saw them drop down to 18th in the table. Both Shaw and Carsley remain in contention in the Next Coventry City Manager market, as does the previous favourite Dennis Wise.
Coventry are in action tonight at home to Burton Albion in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The Sky Blues are the 4/7 favourites with Paddy Power, while their League Two opponents can be backed at 9/2 to come away with a surprise win, with a draw priced at 14/5.
