PEARCE PUTS FORWARD HIS CASE

Pearce, who is the leading contender to coach the under-21s after taking them to the European Championship semi-finals, was appointed for the finals earlier in the season on a part-time basis but losing his job at Manchester City means he is unemployed for the first time since leaving school at 16.

"I am unemployed for the first time in my life," he said. "I don't know whether they put it out for tenure for people to apply to. It will be a case for myself and the FA to sit down and if I fancy it and like what goes with it, I'll apply for the job."

Pearce is in no doubt that he wants to work in the game rather than take a break, and the under-21 role is seen as a job where the coach can develop as well as the players.

"Where do you, in normal working-day life, get the adrenaline and highs and lows of this profession?" he added.

Soho Square officials are set to address the under-21 situation next week, with talks of a full-time boss having an all-encompassing role with younger age groups, experience Pearce already has from previous work with the FA.