The bombshell breakup of the top sports talk radio morning show in the region has left “Toucher and Rich” fans wondering who will take over for longtime 98.5 The Sports Hub host Rich Shertenlieb.

Following Friday’s announcement from host Fred Toucher that Shertenlieb is leaving the morning show, loyal listeners to Boston’s number one sports talk radio station had a few replacement names at the top of their wish list.

Rob “Hardy” Poole, who’s on the midday 98.5 show “Zolak and Bertrand,” has been floated for months as the new morning co-host while rumors swirled about Shertenlieb’s future.

“At this point, you have to bet heavy on Hardy replacing Rich,” Boston Radio Watch posted after Toucher revealed that Shertenlieb was departing the show.

“I hope it’s Hardy. Love his production,” another person posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He deserves more than to be third chair on another show. I think of everyone currently at the station, Hardy would be best.”

“Hardy is clear choice,” another account wrote. “Great voice, so good on so many platforms. Seamless. Would still crush EEI. Although Toucher drives me insane sometimes with his Stern-like antics, he seems fresh on outlook. This breakup is good for ratings.”

If Hardy moved to the morning show, fans worried about the impact to the midday show — where Hardy has played a key role in production and creating funny “bits.”

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Another 98.5 name being tossed around as a replacement for Shertenlieb is Jim Murray of “Felger and Mazz.”

“Big Jim” Murray has been the third chair of the most popular afternoon drive radio show for years, creating hilarious bits and parodies.

“I think you may be losing Big Jim,” a person posted in response to the executive producer of “Felger and Mazz.”

“Big Jim with Fred would be must listen radio,” another account wrote.

But listeners questioned whether Murray would agree to switching to the morning show, which starts at 6 a.m.

Another name being mentioned on Friday was rising 98.5 star Kendra Middleton, who has been making regular appearances on the morning show.

“What about Kendra? She’s great on the weekend mornings and always seems to riff well with the boys,” a person wrote.

“My top 3 (in no order) for 2nd chair is Hardy, Jim Murray, or Kendra Middleton,” another account posted.

Also, fans on Friday speculated about Shertenlieb’s future, wondering whether he would head to the less popular Boston sports radio station WEEI.

Shertenlieb also knows his music, so listeners thought he may head to a classic rock station like WZLX.

“Rich would be a great fit at a rock station,” a person posted on X. “He’d be a considerable threat to 98.5 at WEEI but they seem content in radio mediocrity.”

Shertenlieb on Friday said he’ll be announcing his plans soon.