Freddy issues hands off warning

Going nowhere

The Swede has been coming under increasing pressure since England’s World Cup defeat by Brazil, with poor performances against Slovakia, FYR Macedonia and Australia.

But Shepherd told The Journal: "I don't think Eriksson will go but if I'm proved wrong then I'm sure Bobby would be on the shortlist to succeed him.

"I think there would be a clamour for Bobby to be appointed as the next England boss because his standing in the game is still so high. I'm sure he'd top every poll because he is such a respected figure.

"But I told the FA to forget about it a couple of seasons ago and I'd take the same stance again. He's going nowhere.”

And of the possibility of sir Bobby being allowed to undertake the job on a part-time basis, he added: "The job of managing Newcastle United will never be anything other than a full-time post. It's one of the biggest jobs in world football and the pressure is immense.

"Although we don't realise it ourselves, Newcastle is seen as a huge club outside of the United Kingdom, and managing the players requires Bobby's full attention."