Stuart Pearce's departure has sparked a flurry of speculation over who will take over the reins at Manchester City.

Bookies Paddy Power have installed Saints boss George Burley as a 25-1 shot to land the job - the same odds as the bookies have on Kevin Keegan returning to the club as manager!

Ex-Saints boss Gordon Strachan is a highly-fancied 6-1 shot to return to the Premiership.

PAUL JEWELL - Having left Wigan just hours before Pearce's departure, Jewell was bound to be among the frontrunners tipped for the job. But with the 42-year-old believed to be in need of a break from football it could be merely coincidental.

Odds (Paddy Power): 7/2.

GORDON STRACHAN - The Scot added to his reputation by lifting the SPL title in both his seasons at Parkhead and became the first manager to guide a Scottish side into the knockout stages of the Champions League this season, but could be tempted by a new challenge south of the border.

Odds: 6/1.

CHRIS COLEMAN - The former Fulham boss has made no secret of his desire to return to football and would be likely to relish the challenge of resurrecting a club of City's size.

Odds: 9/1.

SAM ALLARDYCE - Ex-Bolton boss has long been linked with the City of Manchester managerial hotseat and would be able to remain in the north-west, but a move to St James' Park now appears more likely.

Odds: 12/1.

GRAEME SOUNESS - Former Liverpool and Newcastle manager would bring some much-needed discipline to the City dressing room and could be on the lookout for a return to management after more than a season out of the game.

Odds: 12/1.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON - Former England boss' declaration of interest in the Newcastle job implies he is ready to return to football and with the distinct possibility of major funds from a takeover the position could well interest the Swede.

Odds: 14/1.

CLAUDIO RANIERI - Chelsea's former coach has worked wonders since taking over at Parma, moving them to the verge of safety. But with his contract running out in June, a return to the Premiership could prove an attractive option.

Odds: 16/1.

NEIL WARNOCK - Blades boss could count himself unfortunate to suffer relegation in his first season in the Premiership but after eight years at Bramall Lane could be tempted into a change of scenery.

Odds: 20/1.

ALAN PARDEW - Charlton may have suffered relegation this season, but the Addicks are a far better side now than the one Pardew inherited and after guiding West Ham to the FA Cup final and ninth in their first season back in the Premiership, the 45-year-old boasts a strong CV.

Odds: 25/1.

BILLY DAVIES - The Scot's future at Pride Park remains shrouded in doubt beyond the play-offs and a step up to the Premiership would surely be welcomed by a manager who has proven his pedigree with the Rams and at Preston.

Odds: 25/1.

GEORGE BURLEY - Success has a knack of following the Saints boss wherever he goes. Ipswich, Derby, Hearts and now Southampton's fortunes have all been revived by the 50-year-old and should the south coast club fail to gain play-off promotion who is to say City could not be the next side upon which Burley waves his magic wand?

Odds: 25/1.

KEVIN KEEGAN - The man Stuart Pearce replaced at the City helm in March 2005 has taken a sabbatical since his departure. The former England manager has made some startling decisions before but a repeat seems highly unlikely.

Odds: 25/1.

DAVID O'LEARY- Former Leeds and Villa man has become something of a forgotten man since being handed his P45 by Doug Ellis in July last year. The chance to restore his tarnished reputation could appeal to the Irishman after a disappointing spell at Villa Park, but would City be prepared to take the gamble?

Odds: 25/1.

GLENN ROEDER - The 51-year-old last week became the latest in a long line of managers to be cast aside by Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd despite being cursed by injuries and may fancy the chance to prove his former chairman wrong.

Odds: 28/1.

NIGEL CLOUGH - Burton boss spent three seasons at City and has earned a reputation as one of the brightest young managers of the game having cut his teeth in the Conference with Albion. His greatest moment came in January 2006 when Albion forced an FA Cup replay against City's rivals Manchester United.

Odds: 33/1.

TONY MOWBRAY - West Brom boss has earned plaudits for the flowing football he has brought to The Hawthorns after a successful stint at Hibernian, but with the Baggies forced to settle for the play-offs after a season of underachievement, his appointment would come as a major shock.

Odds: 33/1.

PAUL INCE - Macclesfield manager is no stranger to Manchester having represented the red half of the city between 1989 and 1995. Demonstrated his managerial abilities after turning around Town's season to preserve their Football League status but a move to the Premiership would come as a major surprise.

Odds: 50/1.