West Brom boss Roy Hodgson refuses to rule himself out of England job

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has remained coy over his potential as a candidate to fill the vacant England managerial position.

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The FA were due to meet on Friday to draw up a shortlist of appointments, and with the governing body believed to be keen on securing an English coach, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is currently heavy favourite to take on the role.

Whilst Newcastle’s Alan Pardew and West Ham manager Sam Allardyce have both ruled themselves out of the running for the Three Lions hotseat, Hodgson has refused to follow suit, instead remaining tight-lipped as to whether he would be keen to become Fabio Capello’s successor.

"I don't think it's right to say whether you're interested or not," he told reporters.

"The FA need to decide who they think are the right people and to decide what candidates are out there.

"Harry's receiving all the backing from virtually all quarters, but it's up to them to decide what they want to do and I don't think it's right for people like myself to say: 'I'm interested or I'm not interested' in the job because I've no idea what the FA have got in mind and what they want to do."

When asked what he would do if offered the job, Hodgson added: "That's hypothetical. When and if that day comes then I'll be able to take stock of the situation and make a decision, but I think it's arrogant to rule yourself in for jobs or rule yourself out for jobs when there's no indication that anyone's going to want you in the first place."

The 64-year-old admitted he was not surprised in the slightest that Redknapp was being heavily back, and also revealed his disappointment as to the circumstances under which Capello left the England job.

"He's [Redknapp] had a very good period of time now with Tottenham, he's got a lot of backing from a lot of people in the country so I'm not surprised at all."

After being prompted on the Terry & Capello saga, Hodgson said: "I'm not pleased by the situation," he said.

"If anything, I'm saddened by it, for the simple reason that as a football coach and manager you have empathy with fellow football coaches and managers and it's a bit sad to see someone who's managed to qualify his team for a top competition not being there with the team to follow it through."

The former Fulham boss’ contract at the Hawthorns expires in the summer, but Hodgson is glad to be able to keep his options open.

"I think it's right to keep one's options open," he said.

"The situation I have here's a very good one. I enjoy my work here and hopefully people appreciate the work I'm trying to do.

"I'm happy to keep my options open but I haven't kept them open for any particular reason, and I certainly haven't kept them open in relation to the England job.

"I've heard the FA say they want the best man for the job and I don't think whether people happen to be in or out of contract would necessarily affect that situation."