Carlisle United boss Chris Beech has been installed as the early favourite for the vacancy at Fleetwood Town with one bookmaker.

The Blues manager, who grew up in Fleetwood, is 7/2 with SkyBet.

They have both Beech and ex-Lincoln and Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley at similar odds after the departure of Joey Barton from the League One club.

Tim Cahill, Paul Cook and caretaker Simon Wiles are also high in the early betting.

Beech, though, is not as high in the betting with another bookie, with his odds 16/1 with BetVictor, who have Cowley as 4/1 favourite.

Beech has impressed with his work at Brunton Park this season, having led the Cumbrians to the top of League Two.

He was recently awarded an extended contract tying him to the Blues until the summer of 2022.

Barton's departure from Fleetwood today has been followed by that of ex-United favourite Clint Hill.

Ex-Blues defender Hill was assistant to Barton in the latter's near three-year reign at the League One club.

News and Star: Clint Hill (photo: Barbara Abbott)Clint Hill (photo: Barbara Abbott)

But hours after Barton's departure was announced by Fleetwood today, they later confirmed that 42-year-old Hill had also left.

Youth boss Wiles has been appointed interim manager, assisted by Steve Macauley, Barry Nicholson and David Lucas.

In a statement, Fleetwood said Hill had left the club along with director of Football Eddy Jennings and coach Andy Mangan.

"We would like to place on record our thanks for their efforts while at Fleetwood Town," a statement said.

Fleetwood are in 10th position in League One.

Beech's father Steve and two uncles played for the club, while Beech himself ended his playing career there.

United's boss scored the goal which sealed promotion from the North West Counties League in 2005 for Fleetwood.

Chairman Andy Pilley said: "I'd like to put on record my thanks to Joey Barton for job he's done during his time at Fleetwood Town.

"Joey has been a pleasure to have at the club and I'm sure he will go onto have a hugely successful career.

"Today's decision was a tough one for me to make, but I felt now was the right time for the club to go in a different direction."

Hill played for United in the 2017/18 season - his final campaign before retirement - and won several player of the year awards.

The former Tranmere, Stoke, Crystal Palace, QPR and Rangers star made 42 appearances and scored one goal after joining under Keith Curle.