IN view the recent (lack of) speculation, I'd like to take this opportunity to formally rule myself out of the running for the England manager's job.

Since Kevin Keegan quit on Saturday night, literally everyone I met has failed to ask me if I would be interested into stepping in to the £6million per week job. However, with even Bryan Robson ruling himself out, I have grown increasingly concerned that the FA will call Citizen towers and ask for my release in order to restore the fortunes of our national football team.

The antipathy towards the job is hardly surprising, however, when you look at the recent history of what has been called the second most important job in the country. Go back to Sir Alf Ramsey, he man who won England the world cup was shoved off the scene without so much as an apology when he failed to take England to the World Cup in 1974.

After Don Revie stabbed the country in the back, it fell to Ron Greenwood, who saw his team crash out of the 1982 competition after failing to score against Spain and Germany. He was replaced by Bobby Robson, who endured eight years of abuse (remember 'in the name of Allah, go'?) before being named as a national hero after the 1990 semi-final defeat. Graham Taylor impressed nobody, but Terry Venables also endured constant barracking before the glory nights of Euro 96. Then, their was Hoddle, beaten by hisindiscretion more than is results.

The most worrying side effect of this national disease is that the throwaway culture it demonstrates is now just as likely to affect bosses at club level. Morecambe's recent poor form has seen a (very small) minority demanding his head. Why? Despite having to sell a number of quality players Harvey, who is in the unenviable position of being involved in international as well as club management, is one of the most highly rated young bosses anywhere.

His coaching skills are the envy of most clubs in the conference and many at a higher level. He can develop players, discover new talent and get his side going.

Sure, his side are having a bit of a dodgy patch, but cast your mind back ten years.

A manager is in trouble, his expensively assembled team is fighting relegation and the world and his wife are calling for his head. A tough FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest is widely predicted to be his downfall.

Just imagine if his Manchester United team had lost. Would Alex Ferguson be such a popular choice for England boss now?