The latest club in search of a new boss is League One’s Port Vale, after Andy Crosby was relieved of his managerial duties.
The Valiants sit 20th in the English third tier, just two points clear of the dreaded drop zone. They’re without a win in their last four games, with just a single victory in their last eight outings.
A 3-0 drubbing against then bottom-side Fleetwood Town signalled the end for Crosby.
So, who is in the running to replace him?
Gareth Ainsworth
First and foremost, the bookie’s favourite. Gareth Ainsworth.
The 50-year-old is out of a job, last managing Queens Park Rangers. The former Wycombe Wanderers boss is a former Port Vale player, so brings with him a familiarity with the Vale Park surroundings.
Ainsworth is proven at the SkyBet League One level, so despite his recent struggles at QPR, would be a solid appointment for the relegation-threatened Vale.
Experienced, knows the club, a free agent and a well-liked figure: Ainsworth ticks all the boxes.
Mark Bonner
Former Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner is another man high in the betting odds. He led his boyhood club to promotion from League Two during his first full-season in charge, before steadying them in the third tier.
Bonner was sacked in November after a torrid run, picking up a solitary point in thirteen league games.
However, the 38-year-old brings with him a lot of potential. He could be a good pick-up for Port Vale as they look to avoid the drop, a manager who many League One club have been linked with recently.
Gary Bowyer
Next, a more experienced name. Gary Bowyer has enjoyed over a decade of managing and coaching, from Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Bradford City to Derby City under-23s, Salford City and most recently Dundee.
His spell at Salford was on a short-term basis, taking charge in March until the end of that League Two season.
Bowyer enjoyed a similar short-term spell at Bradford City in 2019, originally taking charge in early-March for the remainder of that season.
Therefore, he has the right tools to work in an environment like Port Vale find themselves in, needing points straight away.
Will Ryder (and co.)
Vale’s Head of Academy Will Ryder has taken interim charge of the club, alongside fellow academy coaches Matt Done and Danny Lloyd.
The news came alongside the revelation that first-team coach David Dunn would be following Crosby and assistant John Schofield out the door.
The 41-year-old Ryder has been in charge of Port Vale’s academy since 2021, having previously held a similar roles at Crewe Alexandra.
If Ryder, Done and Lloyd impress during their time as interim managers, it wouldn’t be out of the question that they take the job until the end of the season.
Alex Neil
Finally, a more pie in the sky name. The Scottish manager Alex Neil, who most recently lead Port Vale neighbours Stoke City.
Neil’s stock has fallen in recent years, from promotion into the Premier League with Norwich City in 2015 and League One playoff success with Sunderland in 2022, to a poor reign at the Potters.
The 42-year-old was let go by Stoke in December, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he took the step down to League One rather than waiting for a potential Championship opportunity in the future.
So, who do you think will take over as the new Port Vale manager?