Livingston coach Marvin Bartley has shot to the head of the betting to become Ayr United's next manager.
Bartley, 35, spent four years as a player at Hibernian after being recruited by Graeme Mathie, who is now leading the hunt for Jim Duffy's successor.
The Ayrshire Post understands a shortlist of around four names has been drawn up by Mathie and the United board following Duffy's sacking yesterday morning.
And Bartley is among the early names being touted, after being installed as 3/1 favourite by McBookie.com
Other early names in the betting frame include Celtic Under-18s boss Darren O'Dea and fellow Hoops coach Stephen McManus.
Mathie has refused to rule out going after a rookie boss for the role and insists Ayr are prepared to be ambitious with their next move.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "We now need to formulate a plan about where we want to be as a club — and that starts with the new head coach.
“We want to be brave about this and get someone who will grow with us and buy into our vision.
"There’s certain people I know who are keen on the role who I think I could work with.
"But I’m no control freak and this is about everyone working as a collective and challenging each other for the better of the club.
“Whoever comes here must come with a willingness and hunger to work at Ayr United.
“This quite rightly remains a very attractive job and we think we have a lot to offer the right candidate."
Mathie hopes to have his new boss in place in time for the cinch Championship Ayrshire derby at Rugby Park on Sunday, January 2.
Next Ayr manager betting (McBookie.com):
3/1 Marvin Bartley
5/1 Darren O'Dea
7/1 Alan Stubbs
7/1 Ian Murray
7/1 Neil McCann
8/1 Stuart Kettlewell
10/1 Jack Ross
10/1 Kevin Thomson
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