Next Bristol Rovers manager: The early favourites to replace sacked Joey Barton - including ex-Leeds United, Pompey and Bristol City figures

News broke on Thursday afternoon that Bristol Rovers had parted company with first-team manager Joey Barton.

The 41-year-old oversaw the Gas' 1-1 draw with Stevenage on Tuesday night, and whilst there was discontent at the teams poor start to the season there was nothing to suggest that the sack was imminent. Barton was under contract until the summer of 2026 after signing a new deal in the summer of 2022, and earlier this year he was backed well in the summer transfer window.

James Wilson was signed from last season's League One winners Plymouth Argyle, whilst a fee was paid to Stoke City to bring Connor Taylor back to the Memorial Stadium. The loan market was utilised too with the highly rated Harvey Vale joining from Chelsea, whilst England under-21 goalkeeper Matt Cox joined on a season-long loan from Brentford alongside centre-back Tristan Crama.

Rovers did suffer the agony of missing out on Jonson Clarke-Harris on deadline day, despite agreeing a club record fee for Peterborough United, and that was a massive blow. The Gas failed to break down their opponents in a number of games this season, despite boasting more possession.

As a result, Barton has been sacked with their lowly position in the table, and now there's a fanfare as to who will replace him. Andy Mangan is taking caretaker charge, and has already taken on that role previously when Barton's been suspended, but will he get the job permanently?

In the immediate aftermath of Barton’s sacking, BetVictor have started taking odds on who will be their next manager. Flick through to see who has been installed as the front-runner for the role, and who else comes into consideration. What do you think of these names, and can you see any of them taking to the Mem hot seat? Put your opinions in to the comments as to who you would like to see take charge.