Former Carlisle United captain Danny Grainger is the new bookies' favourite to replace Chris Beech as Blues manager.

The ex-skipper is now 5-1 with BetVictor for the top job at his former club.

Grainger, who played for United from 2014-19, is currently assistant head coach at Falkirk following a managerial stint with Workington Reds.

The 35-year-old Cumbrian has made little secret of his managerial ambitions or his affection for the Blues.

But it is not yet known if the boyhood United fan will be in the running for the task of leading Carlisle away from relegation trouble in League Two.

Caretaker boss Gavin Skelton is 8/1 second-favourite along with John McGreal.

William Hill also have Paul Tisdale at 8/1.

Another former Blues star in Peter Murphy, currently Annan Athletic boss, has risen in the betting to 12/1 with BetVictor.

Michael Bridges, who was in the running for the job before Beech's appointment in 2019, has also now appeared in the betting at 10/1 with William Hill.

Beech was sacked yesterday, with United yet to comment on the search for a successor.

To see all the latest odds click here