FA near decision

Howard Wilkinson was last night preparing for talks to define his future as the English Football Association acting chairman Geoff Thompson declared that the appointment of Glenn Hoddle's successor was "very close".

Thompson revealed that the FA had already narrowed their search down to a "reasonably short list" of possible candidates.

But before an official short-list can be drawn up, Wilkinson, whose eight-day reign as caretaker boss is now over, will be asked whether he wants to be considered for the full-time post. And he is due to meet Noel White, the head of the FA international committee charged with making the final decision, in London today.

The names of former Blackburn boss Roy Hodgson, ex-England manager Bobby Robson and Fulham chief Kevin Keegan are already likely to be have been placed on the FA's short-list.

However, Keegan today yesterday adamantly ruled himself out of the running for a second time.

FA interim executive director David Davies indicated that a final decision could be expected this weekend or early next week.