Avram Grant is the 7/4 favourite with bookie Paddy Power to take over from the sacked Tony Adams as next manager of Portsmouth.

The former Chelsea boss, previously a technical director at the South Coast Club is the early favourite to parachute in on a rescue mission due to his availability and close links to the Portsmouth owners.

Alan Curbishley, rumoured to have been at the ground last week is a close second favourite at 3/1 before the rest follow someway behind. Roberto Martinez, the man who knocked Portsmouth out of the FA Cup with Swansea, is 14/1 whilst Harry Redknapp is the 100/1 outsider to make yet another return to Fratton Park.

Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “Tony Adams’ record as a manager at any level just does not stack up and punters were wanting to bet on his replacement even before he got the bullet. At this stage it looks to be a two horse race in what should be a quick appointment.”

Portsmouth are now 7/4 fourth favourites for relegation, having been 11/5 before their latest loss at home to Liverpool. Portsmouth had been 28/1 for the drop at the time of Harry Redknapp’s departure to Spurs back in late October.

Market available here: Paddy Power

Next Portsmouth Manager

7/4 Grant

3/1 Curbishley

12/1 Hart

12/1 Poyet

14/1 Martinez

16/1 Eriksson

16/1 Jordan

16/1 Jewell

16/1 Hoddle

20/1 Bilic

20/1 Keane

25/1 Houllier

25/1 Jol

100/1 H Redknapp

Premier League Relegation

4/11 West Brom

4/9 Stoke

5/4 Middlesbrough

7/4 Portsmouth

11/4 Hull

3/1 Newcastle

4/1 Blackburn

9/2 Bolton

To Avoid Relegation

15/8 West Brom

13/8 Stoke

1/2 Middlesbrough

2/5 Portsmouth

2/9 Hull

1/5 Newcastle

Market available here: Paddy Power