Hoddle off France short-list

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle looks to be out of the running to be France coach.

The French Football Federation confirmed today that just three men remain in the running for the role and reports in France indicate that Hoddle is not on the short-list.

Hoddle and ex-Senegal boss Bruno Metsu had been seen as outsiders since announcing their candidature, with Laurent Blanc, Jean Tigana and Raymond Domenech the front-runners.

Metsu withdrew his interest once it became apparent he was an outsider, but Hoddle remained keen.

Rene Girard, a former assistant national team coach, was also on the initial list of six contenders, and he is likely to be the third man ruled out of contention.

Simonet, who will announce the successor to Jacques Santini on Monday, said: “I was impressed by their common desire, including Glenn Hoddle’s idea of making the French team an all-conquering French team. But we have to eliminate two of them.”

According to www.lequipe.fr, Simonet said that Hoddle’s financial demands were one of the factors behind the reported decision to axe him from the shortlist.

He said said: “I had a very interesting discussion with Glenn Hoddle on Wednesday.

“But a problem was posed in relation to his relations with the (federation’s) national coaching body.

“His salary also proved a problem.”

Simonet confirmed at a meeting of the FFF federal council at Clermont-Ferrand that the FFF’s focus had narrowed to just three men.

“I started with six names,” he said. “Those of Jean Tigana, Laurent Blanc, Rene Girard, Bruno Metsu, Raymond Domenech and Glenn Hoddle.

“Of those, Bruno Metsu was the first to take a step back. I interviewed the five others who all brought projects which I showed to the federal council.

“In light of our worthwhile discussions, it seems that the definitive choice left to the FFF president, and which shouldn’t be questioned, is that of three options. No more.

“I will not give any names today.

“I’ve given myself 48 hours to consult those close to me, to quietly weight up the pros and cons of each candidate, to assess the weight of public opinion, and to weigh up the views of the players selected for World Cup qualification.

“And after a final chat, late on Sunday evening, with (French Football League president) Frederic Thiriez and (Federal Amateur Football League president) Jean-Pierre Escalettes, I will make my decision.”

Santini announced his resignation prior to Euro 2004, although he led the team in their unsuccessful defence of their continental crown.

He has departed to take over at Tottenham, where he began work this week.