Premiership: Graham favourite to replace Gregory

Doug Ellis is beginning the search to appoint his 11th manager during his reign as Aston Villa chairman.

George Graham, Bryan Robson and Alan Curbishley have emerged as among the early favourites.

Villa have been rocked by the resignation of John Gregory just one month short of completing four years in the post.

Graham is the early favourite to step back into management following his departure from Tottenham last season.

He would certainly have the backing of Villa skipper Paul Merson, who worked under Graham for many seasons at Arsenal.

Merson said: "He's a big manager and it's a big job for a big manager. George gets linked every time there is a big job available, but there will be millions of applications."

Graham played for Villa in the early 1960s, after joining them as a trainee, before enjoying his greatest success as part of Arsenal's 1971 Double winning team.

The former Leeds boss has the added attraction of being available should Ellis decide to try to secure his services.

It remains to be seen whether Villa could meet Graham's financial demands and provide the money to invest in the transfer market, a road down which Ellis has been reluctant to tread this season.

Bryan Robson would also be instantly available after the end of his see-saw spell in charge of Middlesbrough, as manager and then working alongside Terry Venables.

If Ellis is looking for a manager eager to take another rung up the ladder and be hungry for the chance of success then Charlton boss Curbishley seems the most likely to fit the bill.

But in the meantime, current coaches Stuart Gray and John Deehan will take charge and, with Villa not in action until Wednesday when they entertain Everton, no announcement is likely before the weekend.