Allardyce The Favourite for Blackburn Job

It's just a short distance from Bolton to Blackburn and Sam Allardyce is now favourite to make that trip via a considerable detour to Newcastle.

Ladbrokes have slashed Big Sam's odds to 4/6 after the news broke that Alan Shearer refused a place on the club's shortlist. The TV pundit remains in the betting but way out at 20/1.

Another member of Blackburn's 1995 title winning side- Henning Berg- has moved to third spot in the market on the back of his efforts with Lyn Oslo in Norway. Just ahead is Paul Ince who is surely going to get a Premiership job at some point but possibly not this one.

Farther out are the names of Henk Ten Cate and Steve McClaren, who are both available. It seems too early for the ex-England boss who has been talking of rehabilitating his carrer in overseas mangement.

Ten Cate is on the market after the fallout at Chelsea but his stock fell a little during his brief time at Stamford Bridge and return to Holland may be more likely.

Roberto Martinez is a surprise name at 10/1 but he has a growing reputation and strong connections to the North West from his time as a player

Slaven Bilic's appearance as a 25/1 shot is an indication of things to come. His work with Croatia will mean that whenever he gives up the national job (which won't be yet), the articulate, multi-lingual former West Ham player will be a top target for many clubs.

Sam Allardyce                 4/6

Paul Ince                               7/2                           

Henning Berg                       8/1

Roberto Martinez             10/1

Ten Cate/McClaren          12/1

Prices From Ladbrokes