Harry Redknapp admitted that he would consider taking the England manager's job, but insisted he will not be able to combine the role with his current position as Tottenham Hotspur manager.
The Football Association are meeting on Friday to draw up a shortlist for the vacant position after Fabio Capello resigned on Wednesday - the FA are keen to appoint an English or British manager, and Redknapp is overwhelming favourite for the position.
The 64-year-old, who has taken Tottenham from English Premier League relegation candidates to title contenders in little over three years, was keen to emphasise again that he is only thinking about his current job at Spurs - but admitted he would consider replacing Capello if the FA came calling.
Q: What do you think of being considered as the next England manager?
"Yeah, of course, it's nice that people have put me in a position where they think that I have a chance of getting the job. It's flattering. The other managers and that have come out and said nice things. I appreciate everybody's support really, in everything that has happened in my life in the last little spell. I've had great support from everybody. That's is important. When you go through a spell like I've gone through, you find out who your friends are. That's for sure," Redknapp says.
Q: Can you juggle both jobs - managing England and Tottenham?
"Well, it's difficult Nick, you know. I am only really focused on......Tottenham, you know. We've got a big game tomorrow in Newcastle. The club have been great to me, you know, Daniel (Levy - chairman) brought me here and it could not have gone better for me in the three years I've had here. I love every minute of coming here. I've got great players. Got a good team. Excellent team,. I couldn't be happier, really, in my work that what I am here at the moment," he says.
Q: Could you devote enough time to do both jobs adequately?
"I think it's difficult Nick, you know. It's hard enough managing a league club, let alone managing your country. They're two very difficult jobs, aren't they? Your focus would have to be on one job. You can't go home and think who's playing well in this situation. My focus is...I can't take my eye off the ball at Tottenham, at the moment. We're looking top get Champions League football. We're still in the FA Cup - and I am looking to continue to keep completely focused on the job I am doing here. The players......you know, it would not be fair to anybody at this club if I suddenly started letting my thoughts wander elsewhere," he says.
SNTV