Former Latics defender Dean Holden has been made the favourite for the vacant Rotherham United job.

The Millers find themselves without a manager after Paul Warne left to return to League One with Derby County.

Holden recently departed Stoke City, where he served as Michael O’Neill’s assistant boss for around 16 months.

The 43-year-old oversaw a 1-0 win against Blackburn Rovers during a brief stint as caretaker boss following O’Neill’s sacking.

Holden joined Latics from Bolton Wanderers in 2001 - initially on a loan deal before making the move permanent - and went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

He also had spells with Peterborough, Shrewsbury and Walsall among others before hanging up his boots.

Holden’s last permanent managerial role was at Bristol City after stepping up from assistant boss to Lee Johnson.

Grimsby boss Paul Hurst and Wycombe chief Gareth Ainsworth also rank highly on the list at this stage.

Rotherham are currently eighth in the Championship table – just a point outside the top six despite having played a game fewer than some of the sides around them.

The Millers were held to a goalless draw against Middlesbrough in their last outing as they aim to build on last season’s promotion from the third tier.

Latics are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Wrexham to Boundary Park (KO 3pm).

Following discussions with the Safety Advisory Group and Greater Manchester Police, it will be an all-ticket fixture which means supporters will not be able to pay on the gate.

Tickets are available online until 11:59pm on Friday and can also be purchased from the club shop until 11am on the day of the game.