Davies for the chop?

Before the break for the internationals, Tottenham boss Martin Jol was being talked of in the past tense but it now appears that another Premier League boss is heading for the exit door before the Dutchman as Derby boss Billy Davies is the new favourite with the bookies to become the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season.

The under-fire Scotsman, who led the Rams to promotion via the play-offs last season, was heavily backed last week as he overtook both Jol and Sammy Lee - having been available at 7/1 with Ladbrokes he was slashed to 2/1 following a sustained gamble.

Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "The chatrooms have been full of talk that Davies is on borrowed time and the punters have reacted accordingly. We've seen decent amounts of money in the Derby area as you'd expect but they've also been coming for him with three figure bets from as far away as Torquay.

"He's never had the easiest of relationships with the hierarchy at Pride Park, but time will tell if there is any truth in the rumours."

Tottenham manager Jol is now 9/4 from 7/4 to leave his post, with Bolton's Lee unchanged on 7/2. Elsewhere in the betting, early favourite Chris Hutchings has benefited from Wigan's good start to the season and is at 14/1 - the same price as a certain Jose Mourinho whose relationship with owner Roman Abramovich appears to be on the wane again after the Blues' shock loss to Aston Villa.

Next Premiership manager to leave: Billy Davies 2/1; Martin Jol 9/4; Sammy Lee 7/2; Gareth Southgate 10/1; Steve Bruce 10/1; Alan Curbishley 14/1; Chris Hutchings 14/1; Jose Mourinho 14/1; Lawrie Sanchez 14/1; Harry Redknapp 25/1; Roy Keane 25/1; Sam Allardyce 33/1; David Moyes 40/1 (50/1 bar) (all Ladbrokes)

(Editor's Note: Will events conspite to see the back of Davies this weekend? Or will defeat by Arsenal see Martin Jol given his P45. Follow the latest prices on Ladbrokes!)