Alex Keble takes a look at five of the key contenders to replace Craig Shakespeare as the new Leicester City manager, picking a 14/1 as the most likely...

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised to see the Leicester City board act so swiftly and ruthlessly after Claudio Ranieri's departure from the club in February, but nevertheless the news on Tuesday afternoon that Craig Shakespeare had been sacked raised a few eyebrows.

Leicester have endured a difficult - though not disastrous - start to the 2017/18 campaign, but having faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool in their opening eight games Shakespeare can be forgiven for amassing just six points. What is even more striking about the dismissal, however, is the timing: Leicester now have a nice run of fixtures to kick-start their season - but lack an obvious replacement to take advantage.

The list of candidates is extremely unappealing. Sky Sports have already reported that Nigel Pearson, at 20/1, is not being considered, while favourites such as Sean Dyche (10/1), Roberto Mancini (16/1), and a host of others are surely too happy in their current employment to move.

Here are five of the key candidates to become the Next Permanent Leicester Manager:

Sam Allardyce 2/1
Big Sam is Betfair's favourite, but there is little reason to believe he will take the job. His retirement statement suggested he wanted to enjoy more time with his family and leave the stresses of Premier League football behind, which surely puts Allardyce out of contention for the Leicester job. Why would he walk away from a better position at Crystal Palace only to join relegation candidates some five months later? And if he was itching to return to club management, why would he not have applied for the Palace job three weeks ago?

Granted, Allardyce's direct tactics are clearly well suited to the philosophy instilled by each of the last three Leicester managers, but the stresses of working at a low-level Premier League side are surely no longer attractive for a man newly enjoying his retirement - particularly since a couple more home nations jobs might be available soon.

Chris Coleman 4/1
Coleman is yet to decide on his future after Wales' failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, stating after their 1-0 defeat to Ireland that "there's a chance I can stay and a chance I won't". And so Premier League management position could be enough to tempt Coleman to resign; clubs bigger than Leicester won't be able to look beyond his poor record at Real Sociedad and Coventry City, which might just convince Coleman to grab the chance while his stock is high.

It is difficult to predict the tactical suitability of appointing the Welshman, although Leicester's players appear to be more influenced by personality than in-depth battle-plans, which would make the popular - but demanding - Wales manager a good choice for the board.

At 4/1, it is worth putting a small bet on Coleman to step down from the Wales post and nab himself a Premier League job. It is a chance that might not come around again.

Martin O'Neill 16/1
O'Neill could become available should Denmark beat the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup qualifier play-offs. Like Coleman, O'Neill's stock has risen dramatically during his tenure in Ireland, putting him back in contention for a Premier League job after a disappointing spell in charge of Sunderland ended four years ago.

Once again, O'Neill is an excellent fit. Not only is he a charismatic manager able to squeeze the most out of these changeable players, but as a club legend his return would be celebrated by players and fans. He is also a manager who favours old-fashioned tactics, largely centred on counter-attacks via long passes to a couple of speedy wingers, making him a natural fit following Shakespeare's rein.

Tactically, psychologically, and romantically he is the perfect appointment, but Ireland should be able to beat Denmark next month, ruling him out of contention.

Alan Pardew - 14/1
Like every other manager on this list Pardew would make sense tactically, although he did not leave Crystal Palace with much of a reputation left. He deployed a brand of deep-lying, wing-focused football at Newcastle United and Palace but had little success at either, with a solitary FA Cup final appearance as West Ham manager his only notable career achievement.

However, with no exciting candidates realistically available for Leicester, he is a steady of pair of hands that could steer them clear of the relegation zone. Pardew is reportedly keen on discussing the job; he might just be the only experienced Premier League manager willing to do so. Back Pardew at 14/1.

Vitor Pereira - 33/1
The outsider's choice is Vitor Pereira, sacked by 1860 Munich in the summer after a relatively successful career that includes stints at Porto, Olympiakos, and Fernebahce. The only reason Pereira makes this list is that he was approached for the job following Ranieri's dismissal but was happy in Munich at the time. Surely Pereira would be too risky for the Leicester board given his lack of Premier League experience. Then again, at 33/1 it's worth a small wager.


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