The ex-Villa boss leads the market, with Phil Parkinson second favourite.
Steve Bruce has been installed as the early favourite to become the next Reading manager, following the departure of Paul Clement.
The ex-Aston Villa manager is the 5/1 front-runner according to bookmakers, following an early spate of bets on who will replace Clement.
It’s not just bookmakers who fancy Bruce to take over, punters are backing it as well. Since the market opened, 54% of all bets have backed the 57-year-old.
Bruce was linked to the job back in October as pressure heaped on Clement, and has been out of work since being sacked by the West Midland club.
Elsewhere, Bolton boss Phil Parkinson is the second favourite to take over, touted as a 6/1 shot.
Ex-Rangers managers Graeme Murty and Mark Warburton follow next at 10/1 and 12/1 respectively. Alan Pardew is 20/1, followed by Danny Cowley at the same price.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “Aston Villa's form has turned for the better since Bruce left the club, so the former Hull boss will be desperate to get back into a job to prove that he is still a top manager at Championship level.
“He would at least provide a safe pair of hands, which is just what Reading need to ensure safety.”
