Martin Ling is the new bookies' favourite to take over as the next Swindon Town manager after a huge number of bets were placed on the Leyton Orient boss this week.

And England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce is also a man in demand, according to bookmakers Victor Chandler.

Victor Chandler have revealed that Ling had been well supported on Wednesday and throughout Thursday.

“We were originally in at 16/1 on Ling and after taking a string of bets on him at that price we cut him straight to 5/1.” said VC spokesman Neal Wilkins.

“We were surprised to find that he continued to be backed off the boards at 5/1, and we had no choice but to put him in as the 3/1 favourite this morning.”

The firm also report a run of money for Stuart Pearce to take over at the County Ground, with fans believing him to be chairman Andrew Fitton's mystery 'dream applicant'.

“Pearce was priced up at 20/1, and that was quickly snapped up before we cut him to 10/1.” added Wilkins.

“He is now in at 7/1. Pearce would be a big coup for the club.”

Next permanent Swindon Town manager odds: Martin Ling 3/1 John Ward 10/3 Ian Holloway 4/1 David Byrne 7/1 Stuart Pearce 7/1 Iain Dowie 10/1 Geraint Williams 12/1 Martin Keown 12/1 Steve Cotterill 14/1 Mark Robins 14/1 Gus Poyet 14/1 Colin Calderwood 20/1 Phil Parkinson 20/1 Billy Davies 20/1 Lawrie Sanchez 20/1 Richard Money 20/1 Aidy Boothroyd 25/1 Paul Tisdale 25/1 Gary Speed 25/1 Kevin Dillon 25/1 David Kerslake 25/1 Wally Downes 33/1 Dennis Wise 33/1 Nigel Clough 33/1 Luc Nijholt 33/1 Gary Waddock 33/1