AFTER a frantic dash out of the stalls, some of the quality runners and riders are now beginning to make their way to the front of the field in the race to become the next manager of Bolton Wanderers.

While Whites fans will need no introduction to a couple of homespun options such as Jimmy Phillips or Phil Brown, other strong candidates from further afield are perhaps not as familiar.

Phil Gartside is currently working towards a shortlist of names that will be formally interviewed, perhaps as early as the weekend, with a view to making an appointment by the end of next week.

But what will the Wanderers chairman be weighing up as his search continues?

Here we look at some of the big names who are believed to have been in contact and look at what they could offer the club.

CHRIS HUGHTON

Current odds: 7/2 joint fav

Managerial experience: Caretaker at Spurs and Newcastle before taking Toon job full-time in 2009, guiding the club back into the Premier League with ease. Hughton was controversially sacked soon after the club’s return to the top flight but returned to management with Birmingham City, juggling European football and a fourth-placed finish in the Championship. He moved on to Norwich City in June 2012 and helped the Canaries cement their top flight position, finishing 11th in his first season. A struggle in the following season saw Hughton leave Carrow Road in April 2014.

Associated staff: Colin Calderwood (assistant).

Plus points: Universally liked at the clubs he has managed, the former Spurs defender has a good record of stabilising clubs and producing results. He has Championship promotion and play-offs on his CV.

Down side: Hughton may well feel entitled to another chance higher up the pyramid, such is his record. Has never operated on a budget as tight as the one he is likely to get at Bolton.

MALKY MACKAY

Current odds: 8/1

Managerial experience: Took over at Watford from Brendan Rogers and took the Hornets into mid-table after struggling all season. He moved on to Cardiff, taking the Welsh club to unprecedented success – a league cup final defeat and promotion to the Premier League. On arrival in the top flight his relationship with Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan deteriorated, leading to his sacking in December 2013. Mackay has since been linked with a number of posts, including Crystal Palace.

Associated staff: Most are still in work, for example David Kerslake at Cardiff or Sean Dyche at Burnley.

Plus points: His title-winning squad at Cardiff was one of the finest in Championship history. The Scot also did a solid job at his former club Watford under tough financial constraints.

Down side: Mackay comes with baggage – i.e. allegations of misconduct, and high-profile texts sent between himself and Crystal Palace sporting director Ian Moody.

NEIL LENNON

Current odds: 16/1

Managerial experience: Exclusively at Celtic, where after succeeding Tony Mowbray in March 2010, he led the club to three league titles and two Scottish Cups. Lennon was voted SPL Manager of the Year in 2012. He left Parkhead in May and has been linked with vacant positions in England, although a report at the weekend suggests he has been offered the chance to return to football in the Middle East.

Associated staff: Johan Mjallby and ex-Wanderer Alan Thompson.

Plus points: A real character and one who is used to winning. Lennon battled against off the field problems at Celtic, and so would be happy to resume his footballing career at Bolton.

Down side: His lack of experience in England, especially at second-tier level, could be a big factor. Lennon has only four full seasons on his CV and that could also count against him.

STEVE CLARKE

Current odds: 14/1

Managerial experience: Assistant at Newcastle United to Ruud Gullit, Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant at Chelsea, Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rogers at Liverpool – Clarke finally struck out on his own at West Brom in June 2012. He guided the Baggies to eighth in the Premier League, their best finish since 1981, but couldn’t repeat the trick and was sacked in December 2013.

Associated staff: Keith Downing and Kevin Keen.

Plus points: Talk about contacts in the game, the Scot is also regarded as an excellent technical coach. Clarke has been searching for a way back in and very few Wanderers fans would be averse to seeing him take charge.

Down side: Has he got the Championship experience needed to take Wanderers out of the bottom three? Clarke has spent most of his career in the upper echelons, coaching top players.

TONY MOWBRAY

Current odds: 7/2 joint fav.

Managerial experience: Had a brief spell at Ipswich before getting his first manag-erial post at Hibs and securing top four finishes in consecutive campaigns. Mowbray moved on to West Brom, taking the Baggies to the play-off final in his first season and then all the way to the title in his second. West Brom went straight back down but Mowbray remained popular as he left for Celtic, spending just nine months at Parkhead before succeeding Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough in October 2010. His rebuilding job at Boro was considerable and after taking the club to safety in his first season, he finished seventh in his next. A poor start to the 2013/14 campaign cost him his job.

Associated staff: Mark Venus.

Plus points: Walked into a similar job at Boro when the club were struggling financially after the excesses of the Strachan era. Plays attractive football and the sort of down-to-earth type who could do well.

Down side: Out of work for a year (his gardening leave at Boro finishes this month) but missed out on Huddersfield and Leeds jobs. Slight worry that his best managerial days are gone.