MARTIN Ling is now the new bookies' favourite to take over as the next Swindon Town manager.

A string of bets yesterday saw the Leyton Orient chief move from 16/1 in the market to 3/1, with England Under 21 boss and assistant to England coach Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce also a man in demand.

Bookmakers Victor Chandler revealed that Ling had been well supported on Wednesday, and throughout Thursday.

“We were originally in at 16/1 on Ling and after taking a string of bets on him at that price we cut him straight to 5/1.” said VC spokesman Neal Wilkins.

“We were surprised to find that he continued to be backed off the boards at 5/1, and we had no choice but to put him in as the 3/1 favourite this morning.”

The firm also report a run of money for Pearce to take over at the County Ground.

“Pearce was priced up at 20/1, and that was quickly snapped up before we cut him to 10/1.” added Wilkins.

“He is now in at 7/1. Pearce would be a big coup for the club.”

LATEST TOWN MANAGER ODDS Martin Ling 3/1; John Ward 10/3; Ian Holloway 4/1; David Byrne 7/1; Stuart Pearce 7/1; Iain Dowie 10/1; Geraint Williams 12/1; Martin Keown 12/1; Steve Cotterill 14/1; Mark Robins 14/1; Gus Poyet 14/1; Colin Calderwood 20/1; Phil Parkinson 20/1; Billy Davies 20/1; Lawrie Sanchez 20/1; Richard Money 20/1; Aidy Boothroyd 25/1; Paul Tisdale 25/1; Gary Speed 25/1; Kevin Dillon 25/1 David Kerslake 25/1; Wally Downes 33/1; Dennis Wise 33/1; Nigel Clough 33/1; Luc Nijholt 33/1; Gary Waddock 33/1.