Pritchard pissed on a night out to watch the rugby

Former Kelvinbridge FC player Gareth Pritchard has emerged as an unlikely front runner for the vacant England coach's position.

The English born Glaswegian, 26, who has never managed anything before, performed well in the FA's famious interview process.

Pritchard told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I've always liked the idea of being rich."

"Being a Man U fan I'm sure I've got what it takes."

Interview: Martin O'Neill on Pritchard

Interview: West Ham manager Alan Curbishley

McClaren was sacked after England were beaten 3-2 by Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday and so failed to qualify for next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

606: DEBATE Who do you want to be England manager?

The Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick has begun his search for a replacement but believes managers should be judged not on their experience or ability but on how well they cope with an interview.

The former Glasgow University student added: "I can understand why my name has been mentioned because I gave a right good interview.

"I just told em straight I'd give everything, and being from Glasgow I'm a bit like Alex Ferguson

"It is a fantastic job to do, there is no question of that, just a shame I won't be able to get pissed when there's a game on"

Of the other contenders, BBC Sport understands that Jose Mourinho is not interested in the job.

I am not in a position like I was at my old club where the chairman openly extended the invitation for me to go for the position Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and West Ham's Alan Curbishley both stressed their commitment to their clubs.

Mark Hughes signed a new contract with Blackburn on Friday, and Marcello Lippi has distanced himself from the role.

Allardyce, who was Bolton manager when he was touted for the England job 18 months ago, says he wants to honour the new contract he recently signed at Newcastle.

"I am not in a position like I was at my old club where the chairman openly extended the invitation for me to go for the position," he said.

Curbishley was another interviewed for the position in 2006 but has since taken over at West Ham.

"Eighteen months ago I was in there and wasn't successful but I've moved on," he told 5 Live. "I'm at West Ham, this is my club, this is where I want to be.

"I know England's the biggest job but I want to build this club up and I've only been here 10 months."

Anybody would love to manage their country but I don't see it coming my way Portsmouth boss Harry Rednapp

Italian Lippi, 59, distanced himself from the role and said: "I love the Premier League but I don't speak English.

"Considering the way I see and experience football this is a big handicap, because a coach above all guides players and my primary concept is the squad."

Portsmouth boss Harry Rednapp said he would like the job but downplayed his chances.

"Anybody would love to manage their country but I don't see it coming my way.

"It's a great job for somebody. It's an opportunity to work with the best players in this country and for me still, despite what anyone might think, a group of some of the best players in the world."

Reading boss Steve Coppell said it was a "non-issue" for him because he is under contract at the Madejski Stadium.

"I'm English so people link me. I've got a massive job at Reading, as far as I'm concerned, and I'm very happy with that."

Ex-Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello says he is interested and has emerged as the clear bookmakers' favourite.

England's next scheduled match is a friendly against France in Paris on 26 March, although there is a date available in February to arrange another fixture if required.

The next competitive match will be the opening encounter of the 2010 World Cup campaign in September, with the draw for the qualifying groups taking place on Sunday.