Baggies rule out move for Hoddle

Hoddle will not be taking over at The Hawthorns

West Bromwich Albion have revealed that they will not be appointing Glenn Hoddle as their new manager.

He had been touted as Gary Megson's successor, with claims he would take charge after the game at Southampton.

But chairman Jeremy Peace said: "I had a preliminary talk with Glenn Hoddle prior to drawing up a shortlist.

"Because of the incessant speculation linking him with the job, I think it is important to stress we have decided he is no longer a contender."

Chairman Jeremy Peace had earlier insisted Wigan manager Paul Jewell was not a target for The Baggies.

Peace admitted making informal enquiries about Jewell's availability, but has now ruled out the 40-year-old.

"I spoke with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan but it was certainly not a formal approach," Peace told West Brom's official website.

"I was just checking Paul's situation in the correct manner."

He added: "I asked Dave about Paul Jewell's position.

"I knew what the answer would be - that Paul is very happy at Wigan, and Dave confirmed this.

"But I wanted to formally rule Paul out of the equation in case I was asked about his circumstances by one of my colleagues on the board.

"I told Dave there and then I would not be taking the matter any further and thought this would remain a private conversation."

I would love to get back into the game Bryan Robson

Earlier in the week, Jewell played down media speculation linking him with the vacant post.

"I don't know much about it. I have not had any contact with West Bromwich Albion," Jewell told BBC Sport.

"I'm happy at Wigan Athletic right now. I am here to do a job, and I have not heard about any approach."

A Wigan spokesman said: "Paul's said on many occasions he's happy here. As far as we're concerned he's going nowhere."

Meanwhile, ex-Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson, a former West Brom player, confirmed he was still interested in the post.

"Obviously with my past at West Bromwich Albion, I would love to get back into the game so I do have an interest," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"But obviously there's a long way to go on whatever decision West Brom are going to make. "