Redfearn is bookies' favourite to replace Wellens

CONTENDERS: (left to right): Paul Scholes, current bookies' favourite Neil Redfearn and Peter Clarke

Numerous potential contenders are already being linked to the vacant managers' job at Athletic, just days after Richie Wellens was sacked.

The 38-year old was ousted on Friday (June 8) in a move which came out of the blue, especially with Wellens revealing just days earlier that he was already planning for next season and actively working to get players both out of and into the football club.

Since Wellens was dismissed a number of names have been linked with the job at Boundary Park, including a couple of names which will be familiar to Athletic faithful.

They include former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes who, it is understood, interviewed for the job when John Sheridan was sacked back in October, 2017.

Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf, who also paid a visit to Boundary Park before Wellens was given the job full time, is back among the names being linked.

However, one name is currently leading the betting.

Athletic midfield legend Neil Redfearn is the bookies' favourite for the job, which would mark a return to a club he played 62 games for between 1989 and 1991.

Redfearn has a host of managerial experience to call upon, having held roles at Halifax Town, Scarborough, York City, Rotherham United and Leeds United.

He’s currently manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FA Women’s Super League 2.

Other names being linked with the job include current Athletic defender Peter Clarke, who spent much of the last campaign at Bury on loan.

Keith Curle and Darren Ferguson are also thought to be in the frame having both left their previous jobs - Curle at Carlisle United while Ferguson left Doncaster Rovers last week.

Further afield ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is also in the betting, along with ex-Chesterfield and Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell, and former Manchester United player Nicky Butt.

In a statement announcing the sacking of Wellens, Athletic have said they are looking to appoint a new manager as soon as possible.