Curbs favourite to replace Roy at Albion

ALAN CURBISHLEY has been backed into favouritism to become the next West Brom manager with Roy Hodgson long odds-on to depart forthe vacancy with England.

Bet365 opened up with Curbs at 12-1 but that quickly became 3-1 with Chris Hughton next in the betting at 7-2. Birmingham boss Hughton had been the favourite when the market was first formed as the Hodgson news became public.

Wigan's Roberto Martinez, Lee Clark and Michael Appleton are others prominent in the betting, although Derek McInnes has drifted to 10-1 from 11-2.