JOHNSON SACKED: ROBINS CALL TIME ON BOSS,

LEE Carsley is the early odds-on favourite to become the next Cheltenham Town manager with the bookmakers.

The former Everton, Derby and Republic of Ireland midfielder is 1/3 with Skybet to succed Gary Johnson, who was sacked after Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Macclesfield Town.

Carsley, right, had a short spell as head coach of Brentford in the Championship in 2015 and has taken on caretaker manager roles at Coventry City and Birmingham City, becoming Steve Cotterill’s assistant at the latter.

The 44-year-old has also managed Manchester City Under-18s and is currently working with England Under21s.

Carsley plays for Cheltenham Town veterans’ team, who are managed by Robins chairman Andy Wilcox.

Cheltenham-born Cotterill is second favourite at 6/1 to make a romantic return to the Robins.

The 54-year-old, who won three promotions in six years at the club and led them to the Football League for the first time in their history in 1999, has been out of work since being sacked by Birmingham in March.

Popular ex-cheltenham defender Jerry Gill, now in charge at Bath City, is in the running at 8/1, the same odds as Gary Bowyer, previously in charge of Blackburn, led Blackpool to promotion via the League Two play-offs but quit on the eve of the new season.

Among the other names mentioned are former Scotland and Rangers striker Kenny Miller (14/1), who quit his role as Livingston player-manager after seven weeks and Ian Holloway (25/1).