David O'Leary has rejected the chance to have an escape clause included in his new contract with Aston Villa.
The three-and-a-half year deal commits O'Leary to Villa until the summer of 2008 but their directors wanted the contract to make a provision for compensation should he be wanted by another club.
But the former Leeds United manager said: "I'm going into this without any get-out clauses. I don't believe in them. I hope that will be an indication to people that I am not just biding my time at Aston Villa until a bigger job comes along."
Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association will convene today for the first of a series of meetings that will lead to the dismissal of Berti Vogts as national team manager.
The manager's position will be top of the agenda when the 11-man board meets at Hampden Park, after the president John McBeth, the chief executive David Taylor and three vice-chairmen met for preliminary talks last Friday.
It is understood the proposal to remove Vogts is supported by the majority of the board, who will have to draw up a compensation package for the remainder of his contract, which is likely to total about £500,000 - a year's salary. Once the formalities are resolved, the SFA will switch their attention to appointing a successor in time for next month's friendly against Sweden at Easter Road.
The likely approach will be to Walter Smith. The 56-year-old former Rangers and Everton manager is understood to be enthusiastic about the possibility.
Gordon Strachan also has support among the 11 directors. However, there are concerns he might be tempted back into the Premiership should the right job become available.
