Top bosses say 'no' to England job

A host of top managers have ruled themselves out of replacing Kevin Keegan as England coach.

A host of top managers have ruled themselves out of replacing Kevin Keegan as England coach.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid and Middlesbrough's Bryan Robson said they were not interested in the job.

They were joined by Leicester's Peter Taylor, the former England Under-21 manager.

And Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said the FA could speak to Arsene Wenger, but added: "He would be crazy to take it. It is an impossible job and he is not crazy."

Even Aime Jacquet - who led France to their 1998 World Cup triumph and said to be one of the FA's top targets - also said he would not apply.

Newcastle United ruled out any chance of Bobby Robson - who took England to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 - taking the job.

Caretaker boss Howard Wilkinson is now at the helm after Keegan sensationally resigned following the 1-0 defeat by Germany in the opening match of the World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday.

Wilkinson, the FA's technical director, who has acted as caretaker manager before, hinted that he might be interested in taking on the role himself.

He said it was a "fantastic job" and a "coach's dream" but insisted nothing would be decided until after England's crunch game against Finland on Wednesday.

Peter Taylor said: "To be mentioned is an honour and very, very nice. But it is not for me at the moment."

It leaves former England coach Terry Venables the firm favourite, attracting odds of 6/4.

William Hill said tonight the second favourites at 6/1 were Wilkinson and Wenger.

The Football Association insists it is the job no-one could refuse.

FA executive director David Davies believes the post vacated by Keegan is one which is coveted by the majority of modern managers.