There is no one at the club capable of taking on the role as a temporary basis until the seasons end, Unsworth had his legs cut from under him last time and can't see him being able to command respect after that, Ferguson - unless it's pigeons then wouldn't want him anywhere near being in charge of anything.
any of the Big Fat Sam crew - Shakespeare/Lee, not a prayer want them shut with Sam.
Which leaves us having to go for a permanent appointment such as Silva (which if he isn't first option is us settling for plan B without trying for plan A so to speak), sticking with Sam till seasons end - a slight risk as remember what happened at West Ham when he realised/was told he wasn't getting an extension and he effectively mailed in his management for the last 5 months of the season. or bringing in someone connected to the club in either Rooney (short term player manager role - gulp!) - really don't like that idea, or Arteta - which gives him a taste of the role, gets his profile higher - but doesn't tie him to us or us to him for a longer term appointment - not sure if that works either.
Option Z - give Martinez a ring see if he will take a dual role as Belgium manager and manage us the last part of the season - yes Dave i am trolling a bit there