Kevin Blackwell Linked With Plymouth Argyle

Bury boss Kevin Blackwell has emerged as one of the favourites to replace Carl Fletcher at Plymouth Argyle, following the latter's sacking on 2nd January. Blackwell, who is also a major candidate for the Barnsley Vacancy , has been critical of Bury's financial problems, fuelling speculation that he is on the verge of leaving the club he only joined back in September.

Blackwell played in goal for the Pilgrims and went on to work as youth team coach under Neil Warnock, before becoming assistant manager to Mick Jones. The former Leeds, Luton and Sheffield United gaffer is joined by Keith Hill at the top of the Next Plymouth Manager Market, with John Sheridan also attracting attention.

Hill, a former Plymouth player, may have just been sacked by Championship side Barnsley at the end of 2012, but he could now be in line for an instant return to the dugout at Home Park. Meanwhile Sheridan has been out-of-work since August when Chesterfield axed him just two weeks into the new season.

Whoever takes charge of Argyle will be immediately tasked with preserving the club's League Two status. The Devon based club are currently hovering just two points above the relegation zone in 21st following a wretched period of just one win from their last 13 matches. On Saturday they go looking for their first victory on the road since October when they take on high-flying Port Vale at Vale Park. The hosts, who are second in the league, have been installed as the hot 4/6 favourites for the win, while Argyle can be backed at 7/2 to claim a shock three points. Romain Larrieu and Kevin Nancekivell will be in charge of the Argyle first team for the match.