Who next for MK Dons after Steven Gerrard talks come to an end?

  • Anglia
Could one of these men be the new manager of MK Dons? Credit: PA

It was always going to be a tall order, but MK Dons' bid to lure Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to the club has officially come to an end.

The Dons confirmed to ITV News Anglia today they did hold talks with the former England midfielder but have now moved on to other candidates.

So with Gerrard out of the running, who could be the man to replace Karl Robinson at stadium:mk?

We take a look at some of the potential runners and riders.

  • Steve Cotterill (1/5)

Bristol City were promoted to The Championship under Steve Cotterill. Credit: PA

Former Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill is now the big favourite to land the role after Gerrard withdrew from the race.

The 52-year-old has a track record of getting teams out of League One, and did a great job to lead the Robins to promotion as champions in 2015.

Despite the obvious credentials though, he's not a classic MK Dons appointment with chairman Pete Winkelman tending to go for untried, young coaches instead.

  • Ryan Giggs (4/1)

Ryan Giggs is looking to get into management. Credit: PA

If Cotterill doesn't fit the typical MK Dons profile, then Ryan Giggs definitely does.

It's common knowledge that the ex-Manchester United winger is keen to try his luck in management, and the Dons are famed for giving people their big break.

Whether he feels he could get a job in The Championship and beyond remains to be seen, but he could do a lot worse than learning his trade at stadium:mk.

  • Paul Mitchell (16/1)

Paul Mitchell is the current head of recruitment at Tottenham. Credit: PA

Paul Mitchell was a fans' favourite during his time as a player at MK Dons, but it would come as a big surprise if he was to return as boss.

Any deal to bring the Tottenham head of recruitment back to the club would be seriously complicated due to the fact that he is currently in the last few months of a one-year notice period at White Hart Lane.

As a result, he would have to take a big pay cut to start his managerial career at his former club, and that looks unlikely as things stand.

  • The outsiders

Gary Caldwell is currently at 20/1. Credit: PA

Former Wigan boss Gary Caldwell is one to keep an eye on at 20/1 after he guided the Latics to promotion last season, while another left-field choice could be England women's manager Mark Sampson (28/1).

Experienced duo Nigel Pearson and Malky Mackay are among those rated at 33/1, as is ex-Dons boss Roberto Di Matteo.

All odds courtesy of Sky Bet