Next QPR manager contenders: We look at the main candidates to replace Harry Redknapp

Three main candidates have quickly emerged for the QPR vacancy following Harry Redknapp's resignation, with one man clearly leading the way.

We consider the credentials of the favoured trio and whether there are any outsiders capable of coming into contention.

Tim Sherwood

The former Tottenham boss was installed as the early odds-on favourite and has attracted the majority of backing despite his short price. Sherwood has been linked with a host of posts this season but remains out of work since leaving White Hart Lane, where he set a club record Premier League winning ratio before his 18-month contract was cut short. However, with his only previous coaching time coming with Spurs, Sherwood lacks the experience of battling relegation, with QPR 19th in the Premier League and odds-on for the drop.

Glenn Hoddle

First-team coach Hoddle appears to be a ready-made replacement to step up into the management role with a wealth of experience, including three years in charge of the England national team. He was installed as the 6/1 third favourite but has attracted the second most backing in the market, prompting his odds to be slashed significantly. However, the naming of Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey as temporary bosses raises doubts as to whether chairman Tony Fernandes sees Hoddles as the right man for the job.

Les Ferdinand

The club legend will be looking to earn his first full-time managerial position after being handed an interim role for the second time in his career. Ferdinand was presented with the same opportunity alongside Ramsey at Tottenham after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked, before Daniel Levy ultimately turned to Sherwood. Ferdinand’s lack of experience is sure to be a source of concern for QPR fans as they battle for survival and punters are unconvinced of his credentials, with a lack of interest seeing him drift from 4/1 to 10/1 in the betting.

Alternative options

The bookmakers consider it a three-way battle for the job, with other options 20/1 or bigger. Those include Rafael Benitez, who seems unlikely given he is in charge of Napoli, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who failed to save Cardiff from relegation last season. Steve McClaren is considered another outside option but looks more likely to be a Premier League manager next season with Derby as the Rams sit second in the Sky Bet Championship, while highly-rated young manager Karl Robinson is also 20/1 as he continues to impress at MK Dons.