Darren Ferguson favourite to takeover at Preston but six remain in the running

Darren Ferguson has emerged as the front runner to be the next manager of Preston North End according to bookmaker Skybet, who have made the former Peterborough boss as the clear 2/5 favourite following a week of speculation as to who will replace Alan Irvine in the Deepdale hot seat following his dismissal last Tuesday.

The odds on Ferguson taking over have gradually shortened after Preston Chairman Derek Shaw confirmed that the son of Man Utd boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, was one of the six names on the short list of candidates for the job. However, the other five remain unknown and it could be for that reason that Ferguson Jnr is the favourite.

Other names believed to be linked to the post include former Burnley manager Steve Cotterill, who has been out of work for over two years since leaving Preston's Lancashire rival in November 2007 and certainly wouldn't be a popular choice amongst the Deepdale faithful. Doncaster Rovers boss, Sean O'Driscoll, is also believed to be in the frame but the compensation maybe a sticking point. Gareth Southgate, Alan Shearer and Paul Jewell are all likely names also on the short list but remain speculation at this stage with the Preston board are keeping their cards close to their chest but they have stated that they hope to have a new manager in place for the home game against Doncaster on Saturday.

The search for a new manager has also fuelled rumours that the club is on the verge of a takeover or new investment given that Irvine's replacement is likely to want to take advantage of the current transfer window. As such, funds would have to be made available when previously Shaw had stated that the club were struggling financially.

Latest Next Preston Manager Odds
Darren Ferguson 2/5
Steve Cotterill 5/1
Sean O'Driscoll 8/1
Gareth Southgate 16/1
Alan Shearer 16/1
Paul Jewell 16/1
(correct as 12:18 on Monday 4/1/2010 odds courtesy of Skybet.com)