DAVID CUFFLEY Alan Curbishley has told Norwich City he does not want to be their new manager. And two more potential candidates for the Carrow Road vacancy appear to have distanced themselves from reports linking them with the job.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Alan Curbishley has told Norwich City he does not want to be their new manager.

And two more potential candidates for the Carrow Road vacancy appear to have distanced themselves from reports linking them with the job.

Curbishley was quickly installed as one of the favourites for the post after the sacking of Nigel Worthington on Sunday, but his agent confirmed today that the former Charlton boss was not interested because he would only consider a job in the Premiership.

Phil Smith, of First Artist Management, said: “Alan's still away at the moment and doesn't get back for another week or so.

“To be fair, he's not interested in coming back to a club in England, outside the Premiership. We have already had discussions with Norwich to that effect.”

Blackburn assistant manager Mark Bowen is also reported to be ready to stay at Ewood Park, though he has not been directly quoted.

The ex-Canary defender is the bookies' favourite to take over from Worthington - possibly in partnership with former team-mate Ian Crook, currently in Australia - but Rovers chairman John Williams and manager Mark Hughes are determined to keep their highly-rated number two.

Williams said he wasn't aware of the Norwich link and refused to comment, while Hughes has already reacted to reports that West Bromwich Albion are keen on Bowen by saying: “It's pure speculation. I've spoken to him about the situation and it won't be going any further.”

In May, Hughes and Bowen signed new three-year contracts designed to keep them at Blackburn until the summer of 2009 .

Southend United manager Steve Tilson, who has also been linked with the vacancies at Norwich, Leeds and West Bromwich Albion, said he was flattered but is adamant he will be remaining at Roots Hall.

“I had interest earlier in the season and obviously it's nice to be linked with these jobs,” said Tilson.

“But I'm here and hopefully we can stay up this year, which would be a great achievement for this football club.”

City chief executive Neil Doncaster is refusing to comment on any aspect of the search for a new boss, but said earlier this week that there had been some “high-calibre” inquiries.