Mancini proves popular

Roberto Mancini has been trimmed to as short as 4-1 to become the next manager of West Ham United.

The Italian, out of work after parting company with Inter Milan this summer, was as big as 20-1 for the job yesterday but is now a top-priced 6-1.

Bookmakers have seen money for a number of potential candidates, though, with Paulo Di Canio (now a best-priced 6-1 with Coral) and Sam Allardyce (10-1) among those attracting wagers. But early favourite Slaven Bilic (100-30 with Betfred) is on the drift after apparently committing his immediate future to Croatia.

And those who have had a punt on either Harry Redknapp or Stuart Pearce look to have lost their money, This pair have said they are not interested in the vacancy.

Nick Weinberg, of Ladbrokes, said: “We’ve seen money for all runners. Bilic is on the drift but punters have spread their opposition to the Croatian around a host of names.”

Meanwhile, Ladbrokes offer 10-1 against Alan Curbishley being back in charge of a Premiership club before the end of the season. There will be worse bets than that, given that there are eight months until the end of the campaign.