Nigel: Why Me?

Nigel Winterburn says he had no idea that his name had been mentioned in connection with the West Ham manager's job - and still less that betting on him had been suspended.

He was backed down from 100-1 to 7-2 until some bookmakers stopped taking bets on Nigel, who left the club in the summer, and he admits: "They always throw in a strange name to keep things going. I don't know anything about it, although my mum did have a large bet on me this morning saying she wanted me to get the job!

"But seriously, I didn't even know my name had been linked and couldn't say what it is all about - perhaps it is a publicity stunt.

"I have got to admit it is flattering, but whether they would want someone with no managerial skills remains to be seen - you will have to ask Terence Brown!

"I have not applied, and I have always said at this stage I would not go into not management - but who knows?"