One down, how many to go?

So David O'Leary does not want the Ireland job.

Don't worry Dave, the feeling was mutual.

Even from a list of has-beens, never-beens and Mr Beans he was never a popular option so was never a realistic option.

Tellingly O'Leary claimed that he felt the job was destined for Venables so no point having the interview.

It does seem the front runner is the name that keeps coming up and he does fit all of John Delaney's criteria of experience, at both club and international level.

But if you think Bertie has an interesting banking history you should read "Broken Dreams", Tom Bower's book on football corruption. El Tel features heavily and while these matters do not directly relate to managerial ability, they do show a man with an obsession with having many fingers in many pies and you would have to question his commitment.

At a time when we bemoan the players lack of commitment, early retirement from international football and at times disinterest in even turning up, we need a manager who really wants to succeed.

You get the feeling that Venables, a man who always has an eye out for a good opportunity to make a few quid, may have fallen on a handy pension fund top up only an hour from London.