Odds tumble on former Carlisle United manager Graham Kavanagh becoming Hartlepool United manager on short-term basis

File photo dated 03-05-2014 of Carlisle United's manager Graham Kavanagh. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday September 1, 2014. Carlisle have sacked manager Graham Kavanagh following the club's poor start to the season. See PA story SOCCER Carlisle. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire.

The Irishman, who was sacked by Carlisle United earlier this season, could be brought in on to help steer Pools away from the bottom of Sky Bet League Two while the club continue their search for a permanent manager.

His odds for the vacant post tumbled overnight with him now 2/5 favourite with bookmakers Sky Bet. He was linked with the post before Colin Cooper, who handed in his notice on Saturday, was appointed back in May.

In an exclusive interview with SportMail Hodcroft confirmed the club would be following their usual appointment process, which can take several weeks.

But Kavanagh could be brought in on a short-term basis, with player coach Sam Collins as his assistant, to help Pools climb the table.

They went bottom of Sky Bet League Two on Saturday after the 3-0 home defeat to Carlisle United.

Pools confirmed on Sunday night that Collins and Stephen Pears would be in caretaker charge for tomorrow night’s Johnstone Paint Trophy match with Sheffield United.