Hull City confirmed earlier today that they had parted company with Nick Barmby for comments that the manager had made to the media regarding the club's finances.

The owners went on to confirm that their search for a new boss has already begun.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has identified the early contenders for the vacancy at the KC Stadium.

Billy Davies

Many bookmakers currently have Davies as the odds-on favourite to take over from Barmby. The 47-year-old has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest last summer. His habit of getting Championship clubs into contention for promotion is bound to appeal to Hull supporters. However, Davies is known to be an ambitious manager who is eager to have the financial backing of his board. The current uncertainty at Hull suggests that this may not be the case on Humberside.

Odds: 1/3

Mick McCarthy

Having been sacked by Wolves in February, McCarthy is believed to be keen on a return to management this summer. Despite being a Premier League manager for the past three years, the former Republic of Ireland boss has conceded that he would seriously consider any offers from the Championship. Hull may be tempted by his promotion record with Wolves.

Odds: 8/1

Phil Brown

Somewhat surprisingly, Brown has emerged as a frontrunner to return to the KC Stadium. The 52-year-old is fondly remembered at Hull, having guided them to the Premier League back in 2008. He went one further a year later by keeping the Tigers in the top flight. His currently unemployed status means that no compensation will be required for his services.

Odds: 10/1

Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio has been widely tipped to move on from Swindon Town sooner rather than later. Despite guiding the Robins to promotion, the Italian may well be swayed by the chance to test his managerial credentials at Championship level. Hull fans are renowned for wanting their side to play football on the floor - something Di Canio would demand from his players.

Odds: 12/1

Warren Joyce

The Manchester United reserves manager was heavily linked with the job before Nick Barmby was appointed. What counted against him last time was a lack of experience and the same may occur this time around. However, if the Hull board are willing to take a gamble, his time working with Sir Alex Ferguson could prove extremely beneficial.

Odds: 14/1