Paul Cook the favourite to replace Holden at Bristol City

Following on from the sacking of Bristol City manager Dean Holden last night after a 2-0 defeat against Reading, the Robins are searching for a new manager, with former Wigan boss Paul Cook identified as the favourite for the position.

After four years as an assistant manager under Lee Johnson Ashton Gate, Holden took the reigns himself this season following on from Johnson’s departure, but much like assistant Jason Tindall taking over from Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, his tenure also ended up being short-lived.

After a sharp start to the season which began with four league wins, but inconsistency saw Bristol City drop well out of the play-off picture, now on a five game losing run (six in all competitions) with the Robins falling into the bottom half of the table.

Cook, who left Wigan at the end of last season, had gained huge plaudits for his work at the DW Stadium, keeping the side in the Championship before being denied by a points penalty which saw the Lactics relegated.

Cook has been linked with various Football League job openings this season, and even the Bristol City role before it was given to Holden at the start of the campaign. The likes of Alex Neil, Eddie Howe, Russel Martin and Danny Cowley are also believed to be in the running.