Ex-Derby boss Davies is bookies favourite

The early betting has Davies, sacked by Derby County early last season after guiding the Rams into the Premier League, at even money with former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd 4/1 and Nigel Clough a 6/1 shot.

Roy Keane, Stuart Pearce, Alan Curbishley and Alan Pardew are other names in the frame.

Speaking to the Nottingham Evening Post, former Forest star Kenny Burns said: "Billy Davies did a superb job at Preston and then took Derby into the Premiership so his pedigree is good at this level."But Billy is a big ball of fire, he takes no nonsense but at the same time is very fair.

"He will reward those with a good attitude who work hard and deliver what he wants.

"There would be no more Easy Street. And that is what it has been at the City Ground for far too long."