Debate: were Blackburn right to sack Ince? I Souness leads contenders to replace Ince I Garner: Blackburn right to sack Ince I

Paul Ince's exit from Ewood Park leaves the Barclays Premier League strugglers searching for a new manager as they look to climb out of the relegation zone. We look at the possible contenders to replace the former England midfielder.

GRAEME SOUNESS: The abrasive Scot has emerged as the bookmakers' early favourite to return to the club he managed with some success from 2000 until leaving to take over at Newcastle in 2004. Souness took Rovers back to the top flight in his first year in charge and went on to win the League Cup in 2002. Odds: 6/4

SAM ALLARDYCE: The 54-year-old has not worked since his ill-fated spell at Newcastle ended in January after just over seven months. Allardyce, though, had great success during eight years at Bolton Wanderers - leading them to the top flight and fighting off relegation before securing Uefa Cup qualification. Odds: 4/1

ALAN CURBISHLEY: The 51-year-old is available after resigning from West Ham in September, feeling undermined by the club's board in transfer dealings. After joining the Hammers, he led them to a miraculous escape from relegation and took them to 10th place the following season. Odds: 6/1

STEVE BRUCE: Bruce is often linked to vacancies away from the JJB Stadium where he has been Wigan's incumbent since November 2007. The 47-year-old spent six seasons at Birmingham, leading them to two promotions where he built a team which combined guile and strength. Last season saw him lead Wigan to safety in the Premier League. Odds: 50/1

DAVID O'LEARY: The Irishman has not worked in football management since his departure from Aston Villa in summer 2006. O'Leary led a young Leeds side to the Champions League semi-finals but eventually moved to the midlands, where the former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender stayed until leaving shortly before then owner Doug Ellis sold the club to American Randy Lerner. Odds: 50/1

Who do you think should take over in the Ewood Park hot seat?