IAN Evatt has been installed as the early odds-on bookmakers favourite to take over at League Two Carlisle United.

The former Bolton Wanderers boss, who last month left the Toughsheet after four-and-a-half years in charge, did previously manage at Carlisle’s local rivals Barrow.

Mike Williamson was sacked by the Cumbrian club this morning after just four months at the helm, in which they dropped to second bottom in the table and five points from safety.

Evatt is 1/2 to fill the role with another former Wanderer, Leam Richardson, second favourite at 6/1.

Given Evatt led Bolton out of League Two in his first season and has since taken them to two play-off campaign and the 2023 Papa Johns Trophy, dropping back down to the basement division would be a surprise.

But Carlisle are reportedly looking for experience and their new ownership offered Williamson the financial scope to make major changes, with 10 new signings.

Evatt, who is based in Chesterfield, spent two years at Barrow and got them promoted to the Football League for the first time in 48 years.