Allardyce rules out England job

The 53-year-old Newcastle manager, who came close to landing the job after Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure, was quick to distance himself from the new vacancy following McClaren's exit on Thursday morning.

He said: "I am contracted to Newcastle United and from my point of view, that contract needs to be honoured."

Allardyce, who has been quoted as a 25/1 shot by Ladbrokes, was allowed to throw his hat into the ring by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside last year when the Football Association were looking for their new man, but insisted he is not in the same position this time around.

He said: "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. I am not in that position now."

Asked if he was ruling himself out, he replied: "Yes."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, however, has not ruled himself out of contention, but doubts he will be among the front-runners to succeed McClaren.

Redknapp has worked wonders in two spells at Fratton Park, first leading them into the Premier League and then helping to establish them in the top flight thanks to the financial backing of owner Alexandre Gaydamak.

England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 has cost McClaren his job, and Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "Anybody would love to manage the country, sure, but I wouldn't see it coming my way to be truthful. It's all ifs and buts.

"All I am worried about is going to Birmingham on Saturday and getting three points."