Six in the running
Hull in a race against time to find new manager after Bruce's departure
Hull City face a race against time to recruit a new manager with the Premier League season just three weeks away following the departure of Steve Bruce.
The former Manchester United defender left the club on Friday amid reports the club's owners would not back his transfer plans and just days after he was interviewed for the England job.
Hull's owners, who recently shelved discussions to sell the club in a bid to avoid uncertainty ahead of the new season, must now look for a successor to the man who was the most successful manager in the club's history, leading Hull to the Premier League twice and a first FA Cup final in 2014 when they lost to Arsenal.
Here's a look at the favourites to replace Bruce.
1 MIKE PHELAN
Bruce's No. 2 has been installed as caretaker manager, the starting point for many succesful job applications over the years.
Previously worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and is the early favourite. Long tipped as a potential No. 1, but yet to take the plunge.
2 ROY KEANE
Previous jobs in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich ended disappointingly, but potential was shown and has remained involved in the game with backroom roles at Aston Villa and with the Republic of Ireland.
Hard to guess how he might dovetail with the unpredictable Allam family.
3 STEVE McCLAREN
Debate remains over whether he is more of a coach than a manager, but the former England boss had enjoyed good times with Middlesbrough and FC Twente as well as less distinguished stints with the national team, Derby and Newcastle. Hull is also close to his York roots and he may find a Premier League job hard to turn down regardless of the circumstances.
4 RYAN GIGGS
Now looking for a managerial post after three years learning the trade under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. After almost 30 years as player and coach at United, his first job away from Old Trafford will be keenly watched.
5 KARL ROBINSON
The highly-rated manager of MK Dons has seemed destined for bigger things for some time, although he has so far resisted the temptation to leave.
After six years in Milton Keynes and being unable to prevent relegation from the Championship, the time could be now.
6 NEIL WARNOCK
The much-travelled veteran could hardly be a long-term choice, but he is consistently linked with jobs in the Yorkshire area and appears to relish awkward challenges like this one. Knows how to operate in the transfer market but has limited success in the top flight to call on. - PA Sport.
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