By Mark Heys
March 16 2006

Sam Allardyce's hopes of becoming the next England manager could be fading after a source close to the Football Association claimed that Alan Curbishley and Stuart Pearce where in pole position to net the top job. The Daily Express reported that the feedback to become Sven Goran Eriksson's successor was immense and that the powers that be thought that Charlton manager Curbishley would be the "safest pair of hands" to take charge of the Three Lions after this summers World Cup.

Manchester City boss Pearce is said to be also highly thought of at headquarters meaning that the original favourite Allardyce is slipping down the pecking order slightly.

"The feedback we are getting from the FA is that they would like two English coaches, one full-time, one part-time." said the FA Source

"Allardyce is well thought of and has a big chance, but Curbishley is seen as the safest pair of hands and it would make sense to have Stuart Pearce on a part-time basis."

Allardyce has also been linked with the vacant Newcastle United job recently but if he did leave Bolton then his sights are firmly set on managing the national side before his retirement in four years time.