FORMER Wycombe boss John Gregory is among the bookies favourites to replace Glenn Hoddle as England boss less than a year since he left Wycombe Wanderers for Aston Villa.

He is quoted at 12-1 although, as is customary with candidates for the England job, he immediately joined favourites Kevin Keegan and Bryan Robson in apparently ruling himself out.

Blues midfielder Keith Ryan said: "It would be fantastic if he gets the chance. It doesn't surprise me massively that he's being tipped he's exactly what the FA would look for.

"He comes over really well in the papers, he's polictically correct but I'm sure he would say he needs more time."

And, as Gregory is touted for the top job, one of Hoddle's former teammates, Wanderers youth team coach Gary Goodchild said he felt the former England boss had to go.

Goodchild, and sacked Blues boss Neil Smillie, played in the same Essex county schoolboy side as Hoddle before Hoddle found God and Eileen Drewery.

He believes Hoddle made some serious mistakes, including his reported comments about reincarnation.

Goodchild said: "I think if he said the things he's been reported as saying he made an error of judgement.

"The job of the England manager is to pick the team and talk about world football and when you start talking about other things you are on dangerous ground."

But the irony of the situation was not lost on him either.

"Had we got to the semi-finals of the World Cup or been doing well in the European Championships I think he would still be in a job."

West Ham wonderkid Joe Cole has been called into the England U18 squad to play France at Adams Park on Tuesday (ko 6.05pm).

Admission for the match is free for kids (see page 19 of the BFP main section).

Mo Harkin will not play again this season. He was due to have a pin inserted in his fractured ankle yesterday.

The Irishman has played just once this season, in the opening day encounter against Luton Town.

But there is better news this week on another long term absentee. Michael Forsyth is back running again after the calf strain he received in a reserve match three weeks ago put his progress on hold.

Forsyth has yet to start a first team game this season after his knee injury.

Martin O'Neill is set to return to Adams Park tomorrow night for Matt Crossley's testimonial disco along with England B international Steve Guppy and Simon Garner.

Crossley, who is now working as a bailiff, was forced to retire from the professional game because of a back injury and fans can join him on a night of nostalgia in the Woodlands Suite with tickets available on the night or in advance for £5.

Other events planned for Crossley, who is now playing for Kingstonian, include a golf day, a fans forum, race night and a match against top quality opposition.

The latest edition of the Tales of a Chairboy fanzine hits the streets tomorrow priced £1. The mag includes a half term report and a farewell to Neil Smillie.

The reserves entertain West Ham at Adams Park on Monday, February 15 (ko 7.45pm). The match has been re-arranged so the Blues can travel to Marlow two days later for their Berks and Bucks Cup match.

Fans must have known it was going to be a bad day before they left for Chesterfield last Saturday. The coach hit the gates at Adams Park on its way out.

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