NEVILLE SOUTHALL has given the clearest indication yet that his lengthy Everton career is all but over by applying for the vacant managerial post at West Bromwich, Albion.

Thirty-eight-year-old Southall is believed to have submitted a written application to the First Division club expressing an interest in becoming player-manager at The Hawthorns. Albion are currently without a manager following the sacking, last week, of Alan Buckley.

Southall reached his decision to seek a move up into management after he was left out of the Everton side which was defeated, 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James' Park on Wednesday. It was the first time he had been dropped from his club's first team in more than 14 years.

Southall, who is not expected to play against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park today, has made a record 726 senior appearances for the Merseyside club.