Five who could become the new Villa boss

If sacked, Garde will follow sporting director Hendrik Almstadt and chief executive Tom Fox out the door.

Here, JOSEPH MASI looks at five candidates who could replace the French boss.

1,.NIGEL PEARSON

The early front-runner, Pearson is the man who masterminded Leicester's miraculous escape last season.

He has also been credited with assembling the Foxes squad that stands on the brink of Premier League history.

Pearson is believed to be interested in the job and has ties to the West Midlands, having previously been at Albion.

But he comes with baggage after Leicester moved him on in the summer, the board claiming a working relationship was no longer viable.

2, SEAN DYCHE.

Linked with the Villa hot-seat following the exits of Paul Lambert and Tim Sherwood, the reputation of the Burnley boss has continued to grow, despite the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.

Now looking set for an instant return to the top flight, Dyche has significant experience in the Championship despite being just 44 years old.

Good at laying solid foundations while working on a budget, Dyche also impressed at Watford and for many would be a shrewd appointment.

3, DAVID MOYES

Believed to have turned down the job in the past due to unrest behind the scenes, the changes Hollis has made may tempt the former Manchester United boss to head to the West Midlands.

Out of work after trying his luck in Spain with Real Socidad, every football fan knows the excellent job he did at Everton.

While it is unlikely Moyes will be enticed to the Championship, he may relish the challenge of restoring one of the country's biggest clubs. He would also be a high-profile appointment.

4, STEVE BRUCE

Another manager believed to be interested in the role, Bruce lives locally in Solihull where he faces a long commute to Hull.

The former Manchester United defender knows the Championship well.

He has the promotions on his CV that demonstrate he will have Villa in the mix for an immediate return to the top flight. The problem is that he used to manage Birmingham City.

5, BESNIK HASI

The 44-year-old Albanian is currently head coach of Belgian giants Anderlecht.

One of the very first names linked, Hasi has a talent for developing youth players and then coping if they are sold on.

Undoubtedly a talented coach, Hasi remains a relative unknown and his appointment would be a big surprise with Hollis likely to searching for a manager with experience in England.