With the vacant manager's job up for grabs at Crystal Palace, GRAHAM MOODY assesses the five leading contenders according to bookmakers Victor Chandler at 3pm this afternoon.

Steve Coppell (13/8)

The current favourite for a romantic return to the club he has already had four spells at, during which time they were promoted twice, made their only FA Cup final appearance and won their first major trophy, the Zenith Data Systems Cup. There is no doubt his appointment would lift the whole of Selhurst Park and bring back some fans, but question marks must be raised over the way he quit Bristol City after two games in August.

Chris Hughton (2/1)

He's a London lad so might welcome a return to the south following a stint in the North East where he gained many admirers at Newcastle. No doubt he was hard done by there having guided them back to the Premier League and sitting comfortably in mid-table and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. He inherited a good squad at the Toon though, whereas he would need to build one at Palace.

Chris Coleman (5/1)

Cookie Coleman has been out of work since leaving Coventry in the summer and was rumoured to be in the running for the Palace job when Burley was appointed. He has a strong affinity with the club having made 143 appearances for them and was included in their centenary XI. His record as a manager is steady but not particularly exciting.

Dougie Freedman (6/1)

Has a 100 per cent record as manager following Monday's win over Preston and is another Eagles legend who would have the backing of the fans. The young players at the club seem to respect him too but he is inexperienced and with Palace's precarious league position, Steve Parish and co are likely to opt for someone with a little more know-how who could attract players to south London.

Eddie Howe (8/1)

Odds on the in-demand Bournemouth boss becoming Palace's new manager shortened dramatically on Tuesday. Although untried in the Championship he has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget at the south coast club and would be an exciting acquisition. Steve Parish though has said he wants someone with a connection to Palace, something Howe doesn't have.