Clough, Slade and McCall favourites for Sheffield United job after Weir is axed by Blades.

Nigel Clough, Russell Slade and Stuart McCall are the front runners to replace sacked Sheffield United boss David Weir.
The Blades are believed to have put their options in place before axing Weir after just 10 league games in charge.
Clough is out of work and open to a speedy return after his surprise dismissal by Derby.

Favourites: Clough (above) and Slade (below) are in the running to replace Weir

His footballing pedigree matches the philosophy United put in place with Weir, only to eject their sixth boss in as many years.
Clough has the experience first timer Weir lacked & also served an apprenticeship lower down with Burton Albion.
The Blades need a salvage job after slipping to the foot of League One.
That's why they could look to the boss of surprise leaders Leyton Orient.
Slade is a former United youth coach who started a conveyor belt of talent including Phil Jagielka.

Axed: Sheffield United sacked manager David Weir on Friday

Final straw: Home defeat by Hartlepool prompted board to axe Weir

Orient chairman Barry Hearn would fight fiercely to keep his boss but United can afford substantial compensation following Prince Abdullah's buy-in to the board.
Motherwell boss McCall, an ex-Blades captain and coach, turned down the job as United's first choice before Weir's appointment.

Ex-Blade: McCall spent three years at Sheffield United from 2002 to 2005

Motherwell's academy chief Gordon Young is already bound for a backroom role at Bramall Lane.
United are expected to fill the position within days of Sunday's game with Coventry when Chris Morgan will be in temporary charge.