Steve Thompson attracting attention from managerless Carlisle United

Huddersfield Town’s caretaker manager Steve Thompson has emerged as the leading contender to replace Graham Kavanagh at Brunton Park. Thompson, who was in the frame for the Carlisle job last season, has been sliced down from a 16/1 shot to the 7/2 favourite (Sky Bet) in the Next Carlisle United Manager Market, ahead of Barrow boss and former United player Darren Edmondson, who is next in the running at 11/2.

Frontrunner Thompson, who only joined the Huddersfield coaching staff in June 2014, has previously worked as an assistant at Blackpool, a club where he impressively worked his way up through the ranks. The 49-year-old is currently in temporary charge of the Terriers following the sacking of Mark Robins, although he is not under consideration for the permanent job (66/1 Bet Victor).

Meanwhile second favourite Edmondson, who made over 200 appearances for Carlisle during the 1990s, is also in the frame for the Cumbrians hot seat, although the fact that he would have to leap up two divisions in the football ladder is likely to affect his chances.

Carlisle’s managing director John Nixon, alongside boardroom members, has been placed in charge of recruiting a new manager following Monday’s sacking of Kavanagh. The club acted by installing Paul Thirlwell and Tony Caig in temporary charge of the first team, with the duo orchestrating a fine 3-1 victory at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday in the side’s first game since Kavanagh’s departure.

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory was Carlisle’s first of the campaign, while it subsequently ended a rotten run of 12 matches in all competitions without a win (carried through from last season). As a result Thirwell can now be found at 7/1 in the betting, whereas Caig is further back at 16/1, and they each have another chance to prove themselves this weekend at home to AFC Wimbledon in the league.

Elsewhere former United gaffer Neil McDonald can be found at 12/1 to return to the club he managed for one season (2006/07). The 48-year-old is currently working as Sam Allardyce’s assistant at West Ham, but with Big Sam’s position increasingly under threat, McDonald may be eyeing a move away from Upton Park. Another ex-Cumbrians boss Paul Simpson is slightly shorter at 8/1, alongside Ronnie Moore, whereas Aidy Boothroyd is a 33/1 long shot.