Luiz Felipe Scolari's sacking from Chelsea came after the final straw of a dismal 0-0 draw on Saturday after just seven-and-a-bit months as boss.

Chairman Bruce Buck paid a sombre visit to the press room after the goalless misery against Hull, but after scanning the scene, left stonyfaced almost as soon as he entered.

It was clear to Buck and 41,000 others that Scolari's team weren't all putting their weight behind the Brazilian's cause, and maybe he wanted to see if the media felt the same.

After slipping to fourth in the league, the Blues board reckoned it could only get worse with the potential embarassment of an FA Cup exit to Watford on the cards this Saturday.

Chelsea fans will want one from former favourites Franco Zola at West Ham, or Roberto Di Matteo at MK Dons - but both are in long contracts with their clubs.

Alan Curbishley could head the list if Chelsea opt for an English manager.

Selected early betting odds for new Chelsea manager within an hour of Scolari's sacking 
Guus Hiddink 1/2
Avram Grant 9/2
Sven Goran Ericsson 7/1
Roberto Mancini 7/1
Frank Rijkaard 8/1
Gianfranco Zola 8/1
Didier Deschamps 14/1
Jose Mourinho 16/1
Jose Mourinho 16/1
Ray Wilkins 20/1
Martin O'Neill 25/1
Ruud Gullitt 25/1
Martin Jol 40/1
Dennis Wise 50/1
Steve McClaren 66/1