KENNY DALGLISH was still manager of Liverpool when the bookmakers were compiling the odds for his replacement.

But following yesterday’s sacking of the Reds’ legend, the list of runners and riders is being studied far more intently.

Two names have consistently been linked with the Anfield hot seat, even before Dalglish was dismissed.

Roberto Martinez, the young and vibrant Wigan Athletic boss who sticks wholeheartedly to his footballing principles and Rafael Benitez, the shrewd operator from Madrid who helped Liverpool feast at Europe’s top table once again.

Benitez has a proven track record in England, Spain and on the continent but his reign ended in a whirlwind of club politics and internal bickering.

Martinez is the man with vast potential, the amiable personality and resilience though his CV remains lightweight in comparison to some of the other candidates on the list.

Martinez is a step into the unknown; a gamble.

The Spanish pair lead the bookies’ thinking but in between the glut of usual suspects on the managerial merry-go-round, are some of Europe’s elite – and emerging – coaches.

This season’s unexpected success of newly-promoted Norwich City and Swansea City has thrust Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers into the limelight, and not just for the vacant position in L4, whilst the exciting play of Athletic Bilbao means Marcelo Bielsa would be considered.

Former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, a Champions League winner in 2006, comes with pedigree and despite his torrid reign at Chelsea, Liverpool may well find the qualities which compelled their counterparts at Stamford Bridge to employ Andre Villas-Boas, equally attractive.