Former Latics defender Dean Holden has been made the bookies’ favourite for the vacant Charlton job.

The Addicks, who sit 17th in the League One table, sacked Ben Garner after less than six months in the hot seat.

Owner Thomas Sandgaard told the club's website: “We would like to thank Ben for his hard work and commitment to the job.

“In his time at Charlton, the club have achieved some stand-out results, including big wins against some of the better teams in this league.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to sustain a consistency of results and our league position and recent form have left us in a situation where we had to act to give ourselves the best opportunity to get the most from this season, as well as building a positive and winning environment for future years.”

Holden began his playing career at Bolton under Sam Allardyce and made the move to Boundary Park in 2001, initially on a loan deal.

The defender went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club and also went on to have spells at Peterborough, Falkirk and Shrewsbury among others.

The 43-year-old departed Stoke City earlier this season after serving as Michael O’Neill’s assistant for around 16 months.

He also oversaw a 1-0 win against Blackburn Rovers during a brief stint as caretaker boss following O’Neill’s sacking.

Former Millwall and Queens Park Rangers coach Marc Bircham also ranks highly at the time of writing.

The 44-year-old is currently working at Italian side Como and his most recent managerial role was at Waterford in the League of Ireland.

Leam Richardson is the third favourite following his recent departure from Wigan. Richardson was sacked just weeks after signing a new three-year contract at the DW Stadium, having led the club to promotion from League One.

Kenny Jackett, Lee Bowyer, Steve Cotterill, David Artell, Steve Morison, Darren Ferguson and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are some of the other named included at this stage.

Anthony Hayes took interim charge of the team during Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat at Stockport in the FA Cup while the club carries out its search for a new permanent boss.

“My complete focus is on trying to help the players and giving them real clarity in how we want to look with and without the ball. That’s my first and foremost priority,” he said.

“I understand how big it is in the community and what it means to the fans, so of course in the time that I am doing this job I will give everything I can to make sure the team is successful.”

The London outfit are back in league action on Saturday afternoon when they head to the Mazuma Stadium to take on Morecambe (KO 3pm).