In the wake of Jose Gomes' departure this week as Reading manager, we focus on the main protagonists for the role.

Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen and Roy Keane have all been heavily backed to become the next Royals boss and we look at their credentials and their current prices.

Mark Hughes: Currently 5/4 with Skybet:

The Welshman had a legendary career as a player, most notably for Manchester Utd, but as a manager he has largely proved less successful in that sphere.

He began by managing Wales in 1999 but his club career started with the Blackburn role where he did a decent job.

Man City then came calling and he was the first manager to really spend some money at the club, noticeably bringing in Vincent Kompany.

However, he was then sacked at the Etihad and moved to Fulham for a largely unsuccessful spell before another poor record at rivals QPR.

The Stoke job was a good fit for Hughes and he did well in his five years there before only collecting five wins in 27 games at Southampton before leaving in December 2018.

He has never managed outside the Premier League but is seen as a big name. He might command big wages but his friendship with Mark Bowen makes this a real possibility.

Mark Bowen: Currently 9/4 with Skybet:

Bowen was 1/3 yesterday but he has seen his odds drift. The Welshman is currently sporting director at Reading as is tasked with finding the right man to replace Jose Gomes.

However, he has no managerial experience but has been Hughes' coach over the past 20 years at many of his clubs.

Although his odds suggest he is a frontrunner, it would be a surprise if he would appoint himself and would be a fairly uninspiring choice should he take the reins.

Roy Keane: Currently 4/1 with Skybet:

Like Hughes, a Man Utd legend but with a far more sparse career in terms of management.

His no-nonsense style began well at Sunderland but fallouts ensued and he left the Stadium of Light before being appointed Ipswich manager.

A win rate of 34 per cent at Portman Road leaves a bit to be desired and his hard man image is totally different to Gomes.

Would his style galvanise Reading? If it does, it may be a short term fix but he certainly wouldn't take any slacking or lack of effort. An interesting contender.

Chris Hughton: Currently 12/1 with Skybet:

Looking at Twitter, he seems to be the man most Reading fans want to replace Gomes.

He is currently out of a job having left Brighton in the summer. He did an excellent job on the south coast for many years but his style of football was brought into question towards the end of his tenure.

Has got teams up from the Championship before but after Premier League management, would he join a side currently third from bottom in the Championship?

There are other names on the list such as Gareth Ainsworth and Phil Parkinson. 

The main question is, who would you like to see as manager? Leave your comments below.