The managers in the frame for Leeds job

Why would he go?

Doesn't get on with his chairman as well as he did - and even bright young managers have been known to get the sack when results don't match up to expectations.

Chances?

Still good and the man most likely to come up with a fresh crop of young (free) stars, but not the clear favourite that he was a few weeks ago.

GORDON STRACHAN

He would go down really well with the fans, right?

Of course. Still a big favourite at Elland Road after being nicked from Manchester United to skipper Leeds United to promotion from the old Second Division in 1990 and then to the League title under Howard Wilkinson in 1992 - the last before the launch of the Premiership. And some fans are still said to be swearing by his banana diet.

But has he really got the wherewithal to do the job?

Well, he's taken Southampton back into Europe, even if their UEFA Cup run - like him - was on the short side. And he's made this Southampton vintage a tough side to beat for all but the best teams in the Premiership.

So why would he quit St Mary's for a thankless task like Leeds?

There's a feeling that he can't take Saints any higher without the transfer cash that is beyond his means - and the board's expectations are so high now that a mid-table finish will look like a poor season for him.

Chances?

There's little doubt the board have him down as first choice, but the question is whether Saints chairman Rupert Lowe would put up the sort of fight he did when Spurs made off with Glenn Hoddle.

GARY MEGSON

He never played for Leeds, did he?

No, Everton, Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday, where his father Don led the Owls on a unique lap of honour at Wembley as 3-2 FA Cup Final losers to Everton in 1966. But despite being Lancashire-born, he is more than comfortable in Yorkshire and still lives in Sheffield while he managesWest Bromwich Albion.

So why does he come into the frame?

Megson has acquired a deserved reputation as a boss who can do well on a limited budget - definitely a necessity for years to come at Leeds - and he would batten down the defensive hatches of a team that has leaked 31 goals in 12 League games.

Would he take the job?

Meggy hasn't had the best of luck as a manager - he was sacked from a play-off position at Stoke by new owners and fell out with his chairman at Stockport - so he wouldn't turn down a golden opportunity like this if it was offered, would he? Well, West Brom are top of the First Division with their finances in more than sound shape, thank you.

Chances?

Not a frontrunner, but his qualities have certainly been noted in Elland Road's corridors of power.

MICKY ADAMS

Now he's a Yorkshireman who did play for Leeds, isn't he?

Correct. Born in Sheffield, signed for £110,000 from Coventry City in 1987 and played against his old club in an FA Cup semi-final 10 weeks later. Sold on to Southampton for £250,000 after 77 League games.

Didn't they have a go at getting him the last time round?

He was certainly on that shredded short list but when word of Leeds United's interest leaked out, Leicester City moved quickly to give him an improved deal with a pay rise and everything.

What's the attraction?

Look at promoted Leicester's results this season for a team that was supposed to be heading straight back down in Wolves' slipstream, especially after surrendering that 3-0 lead at Molineux. But he's hit back with two successive League wins and what Leeds wouldn't give for a 3-0 win at Manchester City. He's also used to the spectre of administration, which might come in handy.

Why would he go?

Honestly? Search me. The Walkers Stadium looks a lot healthier than Elland Road at the moment but, despite their fall from grace, Leeds are still considered a 'big' club while Leicester, er, aren't.

Chances?

Should not be disregarded. His track record is well thought of by McKenzie and the board.